Childcare Information

Obtaining affordable childcare is an important task for graduate student parents. There are many centers in the St. Louis area that provide quality care; however, it is recommended that parents explore the different options available and fully research a center before enrolling their child(ren). The following information is designed to help graduate student parents start their search. Included below is an overview of several childcare centers affiliated with Washington University as well as the contact information for a childcare search service that can provide more details (e.g. cost, location, facilities, etc.) about other area centers. Also, more information about the New Child Leave Policy established by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at Washington University is provided at the following website:

http://artsci.wustl.edu/GSAS/Policies/NewChildLeavePolicy.html

Please note that while the following information is provided to help graduate student parents begin their search, neither the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences nor the Graduate Student Senate recommends any particular childcare center or referral service.

The Washington University Nursery School

Location: Hilltop Campus (Northwest corner)

6926 Forest Park Parkway, Building 2, St. Louis, MO, 63130

Phone: (314) 935-6689

Website: http://nurseryschool.wustl.edu/

Overview: This is a preschool program for children 2 to 5 years of age affiliated with Washington University. The nursery school serves as a site for research in child development and early childhood teacher training. There are three classrooms, an all-purpose room (equipped with a piano, library, and indoor play structures), and a large outdoor play area. While children throughout the St. Louis community are able to attend this program, preference is given to Washington University faculty, staff, and students. At present, approximately 70% of the children are from families affiliated with the university. Upon completing an application, children are placed on a waiting list and parents are notified of acceptance in February preceding the fall enrollment date. The average time that children remain on the waiting list ranges from 6 to 18 months. Children may be enrolled in classes during an academic year (September through May), though the nursery school does offer a summer program as well. Children can attend either a morning session (9:00 – 11:45) or an afternoon session (12:30 – 3:15), and older children can attend a full day session (9:00 – 3:15) if they choose to do so.

Child Development Centers

Locations: Medical School Campus

321 South Newstead, St. Louis, MO, 63110

4353 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110

Phone: (314) 454-4700 Newstead / (314) 362-0777 Clayton Ave.

Website: N/A

Overview: The CDCs provide care for children of all ages, ranging from infant/toddler to preschool/kindergarten. The daycare services of the CDCs are available to affiliates of Washington University (hilltop and medical); this includes faculty, staff, and students, though it is only in the last five years that eligibility criteria were amended to include students. Despite their eligibility, WU students only make up approximately 5% of the affiliated parents whose children are cared for by the CDCs. The tuition costs are equal across the board: students pay the same rates as faculty and staff. Once parents apply for childcare, they are placed on a waiting list according to chronological order of application. Students receive no special treatment; that is, there is no priority attached to the applications of students with children. The average waiting period between the time of application and the time of placement varies considerably with the age of the child (delays are greatest for newborns and infants) and the time of the year (August shows the greatest flux), but the average wait time is 3-4 months, with the range extending from one week to an entire year.

The University City Children’s Center

Location: North of the University City Loop

6646 Vernon Avenue, University City, MO, 63130,

Phone: (314) 726-0148

Website: http://www.uccc.org

Overview: This is a daycare center for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, located in University City, approximately 1 mile from the hilltop campus of Washington University. Although this center has been open since 1970, the center relocated to a brand new facility in September 2004. The building is owned by Washington University and several Washington University faculty sit on the center’s board of directors. Children over 2 years of age are typically able to immediately enroll in the program (no waiting period), though there is a waiting list for infants and the wait time varies considerably throughout the year. However, there are several spots reserved for Washington University students, faculty, and staff, and concessions are made for graduate students who wish to enroll their children in the program in that they may have to wait less time to enroll their child in the program than non-Washington University-affiliated parents.

Child Day Care Association

A non-profit organization dedicated to providing parents with information about childcare resources and referrals to childcare centers in St. Louis.

Website: http://childcarestl.org/