College offers on-site day care

When Darla Dodge moved to Carson City in 1999, she enrolled her two children Alexandra, 5, and Dillon, 4, in day care.

But a lack of consistency and high turnover rate of staff made her second-guess the decision. She removed them.

"I was fortunate that I was married and my husband makes a decent income," she said. "I was able to quit my job and stay home with them."

After a year, she discovered the day-care center at Western Nevada Community College, where she is now administrative assistant and where both of her children are enrolled.

"For me, it's extremely convenient," she said. "It's not just convenience, it's peace of mind. The teachers here are great."

But she fears other parents may struggle finding decent day care.

"It's not that there isn't any day care in Carson City," she explained. "I just couldn't see any that were run correctly where I felt comfortable leaving my children."

The facility at the college is open to all members of the community, with a 20 percent discount available to full-time students and staff. Payments from third parties, such as the Children's Cabinet -- an organization to aid in child-care costs -- are accepted.

The center, which has been in operation for seven years with hours from 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., added hours from 5 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. last year for night students.

"There was a need and we decided to fill it," said director Andrea Bennett.

It's an idea that several businesses nationwide have embraced, providing on-site child care, but no Carson City businesses have followed suit.

The night hours are open only to college students who are in class or studying during that time. Bennett said the additional session and the proximity of the center help the parents focus better on their classes.

"It's peace of mind," she said. "They're 5 minutes away. At any moment, they can come visit."

Sally Morgan is so at peace with the center, she would prefer to keep her 3-year-old daughter Emma enrolled even if it's not necessary.

Morgan is expecting a baby in February and her husband, Jim, plans to stay home and care for the new infant. However, she plans to keep her job as head teacher and Emma will remain in the care of the center.

"I think it's really benefited her being in a setting with other children," Morgan explained. "It's helped her spread her wings a little and not be so shy. For her character development, it's been real good."

The day-care center accepts children from 6 weeks to 6 years old during daytime hours and from 3 to 6 years old for nighttime hours.

Prices range from $135 per week for infants 6 weeks to 1 year to $105 for children 3 to 6 years old.

The center is full now but parents can add their names to the waiting list by calling 445-4262.

WNCC's day-care center is full now, but parents can add their names to a waiting list by calling 445-4262.