Many Salt Lake Community College students are also parents. They often find it difficult to balance their personal lives, school and job with the time and cost of child care.
That’s where Salt Lake Community College’s Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School and South City Child Care can help.
“Our focus is on a well-balanced curriculum, as well as social, academic and learning skills,” said Sharlie Barber, manager of the SLCC Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School.
Both Child Care services, Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School (located next to the Redwood SLCC campus) and South City Child Care (located at the South City campus) are not only a means for cheap and convenient child care for students, teachers, and staff at SLCC. These child care services are also for teachers-to-be to get the hands-on experience that is required for them to graduate.
“We are here to support those who are preparing to become teachers, and for students who have children,” said Barber.
Angela Wallace is earning her associate of science in family and human studies. She heard about the Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School through one of her professors who told her that she could fulfill some of her credits by working at the lab school.
“It’s really rewarding because I work with the two year olds, and there is so much growth in two year olds. I get to see their personalities come out and it’s really fulfilling,” said Wallace, “I’ve learned a lot, it’s been a really good experience.”
Wallace was previously working at a different child care center before she decided to work full-time for the Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School.
“I love the school’s philosophy and the professional environment,” said Wallace.
The SLCC childcare facilities are not only affordable, but that they are also a safe place for children to be.
“All the teachers and employee’s at both child care facilities have to have a CDA or higher,” said Barber. “They also have to have their CPR, food handlers, first aid and twenty hour annual training completed.”
The Eccles Early Childhood Development Lab School’s hours are: 8 a.m. to noon or noon-5 p.m. (for half days), and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (for a full day) Monday through Friday.
“The cost is based on household income,” said Barber. “Usually half-a-day is $18 per day, and a full day usually costs around $30 per day.”
