Childcare at the UW

This is a Q&A by a past president of PALS:

Question: Are there campus childcare centers?

Answer: There are two independently operated childcare centers for UW students located near the University. Both centers are accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC). There is a waiting list, so parents are encouraged to contact the centers very early. For more information: http://depts.washington.edu/ovpsa/childcare/onsite.html

Question: Where else can I go for childcare information?

Answer: Try the UW main campus Work/Life Office. They maintain information on community-based childcare, can give referrals and run a nanny share network. http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/worklife/index.html

Question: Are there lactation stations on campus that I can use?

Answer: Yes, there are several lactation stations across campus that provide privacy for pumping and have hospital-quality, electric double pumps available for use. Call (206) 548-4628 for information and a brief orientation. The list of lactation stations is here: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/worklife/childcare/lactation-stations.html

Question: What is the remote learning room?

Answer: The remote learning room (the “Claire Thomas Room”) is room 219 in Gates Hall and is a limited-access space for law students with young children. The current policy states, “Students seeking access are directed to speak with the Academic Services staff on the 3d floor. The Academic Services staff will ask you to identify the times that you anticipate using the remote learning room. Your Husky card will then be programmed to give you access as approved; the level of access can be adjusted to suit the circumstances. Access will be designated on a quarterly basis, or on an emergency basis. An emergency use might include when a child is sick and can’t go to day care. [Please note however that if a child is too sick for day care we will be relying on the parent’s judgment as to whether the child’s presence might place other infants at risk. Sometimes the best option is to ask Academic Services if the class can be taped.] Some parents may only need access once a week, while others who are pumping milk may need daily access to Room 219. Academic Services will work with each student to address their individual needs. For both privacy and security reasons access to the room is restricted to approved users. This area is intended especially for nursing mothers, but it will accommodate parents who need a place to change diapers, feed babies, or attend to the myriad of chores that face newer parents.”

Question: What features does the remote learning room have?

Answer: The remote learning room has a number of features, including a sink, small refrigerator, microwave, and soft furniture. There are two private rooms designed for lactation purposes. There are four workstations that permit parents with children to listen to and/or watch sessions in the majority of the Gates Hall classrooms. Contact Academic Services for access and information.