West Virginia University faculty, staff, students and community members interested in learning more about WVU s new child care center are invited to a series of information and pre-enrollment sessions this week.

The 19,000-square-foot WVU Child Learning Center, expected to be completed in July and slated to open in August, will be licensed to serve about 180 childrenmostly preschoolersof University students and employees. Before- and after-school programs, as well as a summer program, will each enroll up to 24 school-age children. The center will also accommodate children of community members, space permitting.

I am pleased to see the WVU Child Learning Center is moving ahead on schedule,interim WVU President C. Peter Magrath said.Both students and employees requested a child care facility that could provide high-quality, caring services and programs for their children while they are at work or classesand the University listened.

He added,West Virginia University has always provided a support system for student-parents. This new facility is an important step in creating a more family-friendly campus and will better position us to compete for students, faculty and staff.

Hildebrandt Learning Centersa company that manages 38 employer-sponsored child care centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and now West Virginiawill provide child care services at the WVU facility.

WVU selected Hildebrandt because of its proven track record in providing quality child care and its positive partnerships with employers and parents for more than 18 years, said Liz Reynolds, associate vice president for Planning and Treasury Operations and chair of WVU s Child Care Advisory Committee.

Reynolds noted the company has successfully operated such programs on numerous other college and university campuses.

Hildebrandt representatives will visit WVU Thursday and Friday (April 23-24) to provide information about the Child Learning Center and meet with parents who wish to enroll their children in the center. They will answer any questions families may have about curriculum, policies, licensing and staffing.

Pre-enrollment application forms will be available, and completed forms and registration payments will be accepted. WVU students and employees will need either their WVUID number ( https://centralid.wvu.edu/wvuid/ ) or employee number to complete the pre-enrollment application.

Sessions scheduled:

Thursday, April 23

One Waterfront Place, fourth floor, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jerry West Mountaineer Room, WVU Coliseum, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Blackwater Room, Mountainlair, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Friday, April 24

One Waterfront Place, fourth floor, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jerry West Mountaineer Room, WVU Coliseum, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Blackwater Room, Mountainlair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Parents who cannot attend one of these sessions are urged to visit the new WVU Child Learning Center Web site ( http://childlearningcenter.wvu.edu/ ) for additional information.

Child Care Financial Assistance

WVU and the state of West Virginia offer several programs that can help offset the cost of child care.

Program for studentsThe Student Child Care Assistance Program provides low-income WVU undergraduate students with reimbursement for a portion of their child care expenses. Info: http://childcare.wvu.edu/student_child_care_assistance_program_scaap

Programs for employeesThe Employee Child Care Assistance Program provides a mechanism for distributing the Universitys limited child care resources to employees on a sliding scale, thus providing financial assistance to a large number of employees. Info: http://www.hr.wvu.edu/benefits/childcare.cfm

The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account offered by WVU allows employees to put aside moneytax freeto cover dependent care expenses. This benefit is only available during benefits open enrollment. It allows employees to reduce their taxable income and keep more of their salary. Info: http://www.hr.wvu.edu/benefits/detalvisionfsa.cfm

Programs for everyoneFinancial assistance covers the majority of the cost of direct care and protection of children while parents work, attend training or are otherwise unable to provide care. Families are eligible for financial assistance if their monthly gross income (before taxes and deductions) falls below 150 percent of fiscal year 2000 federal poverty level. Once eligible, a family may continue to receive certificates until income exceeds 185 percent of fiscal year 2000 federal poverty level. Info: http://www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/ece/earlycare/