For many young moms, pursuing higher education is no easy feat. The journey is littered not only with academic challenges but also the responsibilities of motherhood. Balancing coursework, exams, and childcare can be an overwhelming task that often leads to difficult decisions about priorities. However, The University Child Learning and Care Center (UCLCC) is an enormous resource to students, faculty, and community mothers, offering quality learning for infants, toddlers, pre-school, 4k, and school-age children at a reasonable cost. The UCLCC was founded in 1972 by Helen R. Godfrey. Helen decided to establish the UCLCC because she wanted to ensure all students’ overall needs were met. She knew that “nontraditional students could not function in school unless they knew their families were being cared for, and she wanted to make their college experiences positive.” With this, Helen founded the UCLCC’s advisory committee and developed a proposal and the Student Government Association (SGA) granted them $2,000 as a start. Due to her longstanding commitment to the organization, UWSP, and the community as a whole, the institution was renamed the Helen R. Godfrey University Child Learning and Care Center in 2002.
The school has been dedicated to “providing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate environment for children and their families.” All while providing a “convenient location, flexible scheduling for students, parent education,” and notably reasonable rates. While childcare costs have risen substantially across the nation, UCLCC has remained true to its mission of offering affordable options to mothers. In 1990 the cost for student parents was $48 per week, while faculty and staff members paid $65. Today, the rates for a full-time toddler begin at $255 per week for UWSP students, compared to $295 for a non-student. This would equate to roughly $1,020 a month for childcare. While this is still expensive, it is still extremely less than in other areas. For example, the cost of childcare in Milwaukee County is roughly $1,491.41 per month for a full-time infant, in Dane County the rate increases roughly to $1,730.34. Moreover, the UCLCC also offers an array of scholarships that a UWSP student-parent can apply for. The three scholarships range in value from $1,500 to $2500 to help offset some of the costs.
Today, the legacy of the UCLCC continues to thrive as a symbol of empowerment and opportunity for the mothers at UWSP and the community. In 1990, a student noted how “The Child Care Center does make a difference. It has saved students from having to quit or delay school.” Fast forward to 2023, after celebrating 50 years on campus, one local mother commented “I left my job and went back to school, and without this place, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to afford to do that. Childcare is such a tough thing for families to find right now.” These testimonials highlight the importance of the UCLCC and the immense impact it has on allowing student mothers, faculty, and community members to pursue their educational dreams while ensuring the well-being of their children.
Sources
Bernas, Molly. “UCLCC funding highlights tonight’s SGA agenda.” The Pointer, 15 Feb. 1990, p. 1.
“Campus childcare renamed after assistant chancellor emerita, Godfrey.” The Pointer, 25 Apr. 2002, p. 3.
“Fee Information for Rates.” University Child Learning and Care Center, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, www3.uwsp.edu/childcare/Pages/Enrollment/fees.aspx.
“The Helen R. Godfrey University Child Learning and Care Center welcomes you!” University Child Learning and Care Center, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, www3.uwsp.edu/childcare/Pages/default.aspx.
Schindler, Austin. “U-W Stevens Point Child Care Center Celebrates 50 Years.” WAOW, 15 Feb. 2023, www.waow.com/news/top-stories/u-w-stevens-point-child-care-center-celebrates-50-years/article_a7099d20-ad90-11ed-8178-5ff4665cb3f3.html.
“UWSP Student-Parent Child Care Scholarship.” University Child Learning and Care Center, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, www3.uwsp.edu/childcare/Pages/Scholarship.aspx.
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Max Rates Chart 2023. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, 2023.
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