Princeton University Opens New Childcare Building

PRINCETON, NJ — More than 150 children and teachers are taking advantage of Princeton University’s new child care center, according to university officials. The building is located about a mile southeast of Nassau Hall on the university’s campus.

It is open to families who use the university, as well as those that don’t, and has room for up to 180 toddlers, according to the university. Preference for admission is given to university families.

There has been a pronounced need for these services voiced since the Health and Well-Being Task Force Report of 2004 called for “ a work/life coordinator to oversee the relationship with Carebridge, serve as the University’s child care coordinator, help identify elder care initiatives, and improve communication about programs and benefits.”

After that, the university created child care assistance programs for employees (ECCAP) and students (SCCAP) and provided backup child care through a partnership with Bright Horizons while building the new child care facility. Following its opening, 11 of the building’s 15 classrooms are in use, with full occupancy expected next fall.

“We made a decision to not open to full capacity,” University NOW Day Nursery Director Susan Bertrand said. “We wanted a gradual ramp-up to get settled.”

The day care offers three options: a 12-month program, an academic year program and an in-between plan that includes all or part of the summer.

Read more about the new day care at princeton.edu.

Patch file photo