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- Jesse Cobb and Keia Baker pose with their children (from left) Terrance Baker, Keia Baker-Cobb, Jesse Baker-Cobb and Joothon Paige. Photo by Jennifer F. Sansbury
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- A WCC student’s son plays with the colorful stone caterpillar outside of the WCC Childcare Center. Photo by Jennifer F. Sansbury
By Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer
If you’re a WCC student with children, you know the struggle of trying to balance work, academics, and childcare responsibility. Fortunately, there are many resources available to student parents on campus.
WCC’s on-campus childcare center is affordable option for students who are in need of daycare for their children. The center provides a fun and educational environment for kids ages 18 months to 5 years old. It’s open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and costs only three dollars an hour for students. Experienced childcare professionals provide the kids with activities that provide developmental and education merit.
“I absolutely love the childcare center, this is my child’s first time at a daycare and they are really patient with her, I love how they leave us notes; what she ate, how she did. I love the playground and all the instructors here.” said Kodi Pearson, whose daughter is currently enrolled in the children’s center. Trudi Hagen, who has been director of the child center for over 15 years, says that the child care center is “an excellent service for students, providing affordable childcare”.
Applications for the Child Care Center begin when class enrollment starts. Those in need of childcare should be sure to apply as soon as possible, as slots fill quickly.
In Michigan, daycare costs an average of 10 to 17 thousand dollars a year. For those struggling to afford these expenses, partial scholarships are available for both on and off campus childcare through the Student Resource Center.
Lactation room reservations can be scheduled on campus, providing nursing students with privacy. You can schedule lactation room use for the semester through the Student Resources Women’s Center.
A Student Emergency Fund is available for students who are facing a financial crisis. If you are in need of these services, visit the Student Resource Center to make an appointment with a case manager.
According to Dean Orbits, students can receive financial assistance for bus tokens, tutoring, food and books. “No one does it alone so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our advice is to use all the existing resources, both on campus and in the community. SRC, tutoring, [the] Writing Center, math & science lab… This also means asking family and friends for support as well. Only take on what you think you can handle, set good boundaries and take of yourself.” Dean Orbits advised. Visit the Student Resource Center in room 206 of the Student Center building for more information on obtaining assistance.