Where Curiosity Leads: Inside UWSP Child Care Learning Center
Photo/Becky Helf
The University Child Care Learning Center, located in the Delzell Hall basement, offers care for children ages six weeks to 4K and serves families of UWSP students, faculty, staff and community members.
UCLCC has been offered for 53 years. Originally founded by Helen Godfrey.
The center is split into four different rooms, the Starlight Room for children from 6 weeks to two years. The Bunny Room for children from two to three years old. The Playhouse for children three to four years old; and the Rainbow Room for children four to five years old.
Although UCLCC is a care center, its main emphasis is on learning. The program is child-centered, tracking each child’s growth and development. Teachers prepare weekly lesson plans and share them with parents to keep them engaged.
Director Becky Helf said, “There’s planning, education and intentional activities for all children here.”
Becky Helf
The center is very concise with the way the children grow.
“We’re following their interests and encouraging their curiosity and desire to learn.” Said Helf.
Despite being on campus, the center is open year-round, Monday through Friday. Summer programing continues as well, usually serving children ages four to eight.
Student employee Haylee Goetsch and child Zoe Richie
“This is a place where everyone is welcome.” Said Helf.
The center charges a fee, with discounted rates available for UWSP student parents since it serves both the campus and the community.
Elise Griffin, care provider in the Rainbow Room said, “Families will say that even though were located in the basement, it feels like home with the living room, rug carpets, and cozy lamp lighting.”
Elise Griffin
Erin Hansen, care provided in the Bunny room Described the staff and children as “a big family.”
Erin Hansen
There are eight lead staff, and roughly 30-40 student staff. Student staff will bring in activities for the children to do, work with children while they play, and assist them if needed. The center is ongoingly accepting applications for childcare student aid workers.
They welcome any student to apply to work at the center.
Although there are students who work for the center, UCLCC is currently accepting student volunteers to help out in and out of the school year. If interested, students can reach out directly to Helf to arrange a volunteer plan/schedule.
ECED practicum student Kenzie Rude and children David Hansen, Zoe Richie, & Adeline Kernosky
Helf said, “We want people to know about us, we want to be a part of the campus community.”
UCLCC works with many on and off campus academic programs: Family Consumer Science, Dance, Natural Resources, The History Museum, Communicative Disorders, and Sociology.
For more information, please reach out to child.care@uwsp.edu .
Brianna Ankerson
News Reporter
banke559@uwsp.edu
