University Programs

In addition to the resource and referral services available, the University provides the following child care programs. These include a partnership with the McGaw YMCA Child Care Center in Evanston to reserve child care spaces at that facility during a specified enrollment period. In Chicago, KinderCare @ Work operates the KinderCare @Northwestern University which provides NU and NMFF families priority enrollment over the community.

Background

McGaw YMCA Children's Center Partnership

About the Partnership

Through an agreement between the University and the McGaw YMCA Children's Center, Northwestern University families are provided the following benefits:

• The University funds enhancements to the YMCA Children's Center programs in the fine arts.
• A YMCA youth membership fee is waived for NU families enrolled in the child care program.
• The University awards need-based fee assistance to eligible families on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have questions about the University's agreement with the YMCA, please call Katie Krauch at (312) 503-6631. Program brochures are available at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center .

Center Programs

The McGaw YMCA Children's Center provides year-round child care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school and summer camp programs for children in elementary and middle school grades. Interested parents are encouraged to tour the facility at their convenience by calling the center at (847) 475-8580.

The center is located in Evanston at 1420 Maple on the southwest corner of Maple and Lake near the main YMCA building. This is approximately two blocks south of the Davis Street Evanston Transportation Center.

Preschool

Preschool provides integrated programs for infants through children five years of age. The Infant/Toddler Program offers a safe and nurturing environment where infants and toddlers can be assured of a consistent, loving relationship with an adult caregiver who will focus on the child's whole development. Full- and Part-day preschool classrooms offer an integrated program for children two through five years of age. Gym time and swimming classes complement classroom activities and are a regular part of the curriculum - one of the few preschools in the area to offer all of these advantages!

After-School

The after-school program divides each grade level (K-5) into groups with experienced counselors to supervise and implement programming. There are three, four and five day options available. In addition, full and half day programs are available for days when children have no school or early dismissal from the Evanston/Skokie School District 65. Swimming, gym, arts and crafts, and special interest classes are part of the weekly schedule. Transportation from school and a nutritious snack are provided daily.

Fine Arts Program Enhancements

As a part of the partnership, the University will provide resources to enhance programming for the center's preschool and after-school programs. These plans include a fine arts program, which incorporates the skills and talents of faculty and student volunteers as well as professional instructors from the community.

Children's Center News

Learn more about the center from the parent newsletter ( PDF) .

Fee Assistance

The University will contribute $65,000 in fee assistance for the 2005-2006 academic year. These funds are awarded to Northwestern families who demonstrate financial need and meet the eligibility requirements. Applications for fall fee assistance are accepted during priority enrollment in January/February.

Fee Assistance Policy

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KinderCare@Northwestern University

The KinderCare at Northwestern University childcare facility provides priority enrollment to Northwestern University and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation faculty, staff and students. The University worked with the national provider's KinderCare @ Work division, which specializes in creating customized childcare benefits for its clients to help foster a balanced work/life culture.

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Center-Based Backup Care

Northwestern faculty, staff and students will have access to center-based backup care at 10 designated KinderCare Learning Centers locations throughout the Chicago area for up to 20 days per year. Backup care is also available at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center in Evanston.