Article By Autumn Siebold

Have you ever wished your child’s day care was closer to campus? Your wish can be a reality, thanks to Georgia Tech’s child care programs for students and employees.  

“We provide more opportunities than just a private babysitter or other centers,” said Erica Watson-Grier, director of the R. Kirk Landon Learning Center. “Not only are we right on campus for Tech students, we teach real-world information to get kids ready for school.”

Both locations offer classes for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, with separate classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten prep.

During fall and spring semesters, care is available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided.) Tuition varies by center and age group, and different payment plans are available to help with the cost.

“Right now, we have openings in the infant and toddler groups, and preschool,” said Watson-Grier. “But, even if we don’t currently have space, we always love for families to visit, learn a little more about our program, and hopefully sign up in the future.”

Once your child is enrolled, each age group has multiple teachers and a curriculum designed to teach reading, social skills, and more. For example, the younger children learn sign language skills to communicate while they’re learning to talk, and older children learn about topics such as gardening and grow their own plants. 

To engage both parents and children, events including STEM fairs, Scholastic book fairs, art shows, and curriculum nights are offered throughout the year. And Parents’ Night Out events are held on Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the Friday night before any holiday to allow parents some free time. The cost is $35 for one child (or $60 for two children), and activities are scheduled from 6:30-11 p.m.

Once the fall and spring semester programs end, the child care centers offer summer camps, which run for multiple weeks and focus on various themes. 

“One of the most popular is the myths and legends-themed camp where kids get to learn about mythology and tell stories,” Watson-Grier said. “And there’s another option called ‘Game On’ where we visit the Atlanta Dream basketball court and play.”

Interested in learning more about the child care options? Check out the websites for R. Kirk Landon Learning Center and the Children’s Campus.