According to Holland, there is not enough space to take care of the need that is currently present. The center currently holds 100 children, but there is a need to fit 500.
“The university will never be able to take care of every student in need of such services,” Holland said. “But we must do more than we are currently doing.”
The Wee Care Center was first established in 2001, and provides high quality care and an early education for children ages six weeks to 12 years while parents are in class or working on campus.
The center plans to raise an estimated $2 million in order to start construction on the project within the next year.
On May 4, 2012, they received an endorsement of quality from the National Early Childhood Program of Accreditation. This accreditation was earned after a review of the center’s curriculum, licensing, age appropriateness of programs, parental satisfaction, director’s training, teacher training, safety policies and meal programs.
Carol Verbecky, the senior director of UVU’s Turning Point, said in a recent press release, “This is a step beyond the normal licensing that a childcare and early education facility requires or needs.”
With this step, assurance is given to the parents that their children are receiving quality care and education while they are in classes here at UVU.
UVU officials are fundraising with high hopes to triple the size of the care facility to be able to fit more than 450 children. According to the proposal, the facility’s expansions will provide classrooms, roomier play and napping areas and an updated kitchen.
“We have already received some generous gifts, but we have a long ways to go,” Holland said to the Daily Herald. “We hope that by making the community aware, we will get the support that we need. “
By Chelsea Hunter
News writer
