Balancing kids and classes
Daycare centers give student-parents a variety of options
By Alexandra Cash
Staff Writer
Many college students today do not fill the "traditional" college student stereotype. Several students are years out of high school. Many are married and have full-time jobs. And some even have young children who need constant care.
Being a parent is no easy task. And adding college classes to the mix makes the equation even tougher. There may not always be a trustworthy person around to care for your child. When there is no other option, a developmental center may be right for you.
At a developmental center, your child can interact with children his or her own age in a school-like atmosphere. This may be a good strategy for preparing them for school.
ABC Academy is a developmental center with three locations in Jackson. One facility is right here on the Jackson Community College campus. Placed just beyond McDivitt Hall, its primary focus is to serve JCC students.
Students receive first availability over the public and also receive a 5 percent discount off fees, said facility director Maryanne Gladstone of Spring Arbor. According to the company's fee schedule, up to five hours per day will cost $26 for infants and toddlers and $19 for older children. Five to seven hours per day will cost $33 for infants and toddlers and $25 for older children. For seven to 10 hours, the cost is $38 daily for infants and toddlers and $27.50 for older children. For more than 10 hours, the cost is $44 for infants and toddlers and $32 for older children.
Child care is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 2-1/2- week-olds to 12-year-olds, said Gladstone.
However, the program is not run on a drop-in basis. Contracts must be established each semester, Gladstone said.
The facility is licensed for 80 children to be present at one time although more may actually be enrolled. The staff -to-child ratio is one to four.
The facility has an open-door policy, said Gladstone, which means that during breaks students may come and participate in activities and spend time with their child.
Another developmental center in Jackson is Li'l Boy Blue Learning Center. It is at 1575 S. Dearing Road. Director Kay Martin said the weekly rate is $110. The daily rate is $24. Before- and after-school rates are also available. As with many other child-care facilities, parents receive a discount for a second child.
Many people open up their homes as child-care providers, offering age-appropriate learning activities as well as supervised care. If licensed by the state, daycare providers may only enroll six children per adult.
Charlotte's Licensed Daycare, 2690 Gilletts Lake, costs $110 per week, said owner Charlotte Hesselius. Hesselius said she also provides a part-time rate of $22 per day.
She said she works on numbers, letters and mobility skills with children. Unlike some daycare providers, she offers her services year-round.