Being a student and a parent is a burden some can't imagine. But for many, it's life and The University of Memphis' daycare service for students helps to ease the pressure.
The University's Child Care Center, located near Carpenter Housing Complex, cares for 100 kids a semester.
Margaret Scott, manager of the National Association of Childcare Professionals three-star accredited facility, has worked in childcare for more than 25 years.
"I've been in childcare longer than you (have) been old," Scott said.
Scott said the service is only available to students and accepts kids from 30 months to 12 years old.
Parents who want to enroll their children must provide an immunization record, along with the child's birth certificate and the parent's class schedule as verification of their status as a student. Parents will pay a non-refundable $30 registration fee plus $2.50 an hour but drop-ins are offered - depending on availability - for $3 an hour.
The center is entirely financed with the fees parents pay. If there is a shortage, the center has the ability to ask for money from Student Activity Fees, but Scott said that has not been necessary.
"We haven't done it since I've been here, because we usually make ends meet," she said.
Because The U of M has many non-traditional students, many of whom are parents, the daycare services are even more important.
"We are conducive for adult students returning to school," Scott said.
The center's peak hours are generally from 9:30 a.m. to lunch, and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., although, "it varies on which days the classes are offered," Scott said.
Up to 30 children are cared for at a time at the center.
"It's just like a revolving door, some coming and some going," she said.
Courtney Bowers, junior English major, said the Child Care Center is "extremely helpful."
Her son, Kylan, is nearly four years old and has been going to the center for two and a half years.
Bowers said the center's operating hours, its location on campus and the fact the fees are added to your student account makes it "really convenient."
Kelly Buckholdt, Psychology graduate student and mother of five-year-old Juliet, who has been going to the Cetner for a year and a half, said the childcare service has been useful.
"Being a grad student," Buckholdt said, "I have to teach at night. It's really helpful."
She also said the atmosphere and people were important to her decision to use the childcare.
"When you bring your kids here, you know they'll be happy and safe," she said.
