Southwest child care centers provide high-quality, low-cost child care

By Daphne Thomas

Child Care CenterOne of life’s challenges for parents, whether going to school, working, or both, is finding affordable, safe and quality child care for their children. 

Southwest’s Campus Child Care Centers provide student-parents and staff, high-quality, low-cost care and education to children ages 13 months to five years old.  All part-time and full-time online and on-campus students, as well as parents who are not students, may apply for child care services. The CCAMPIS centers are located at the Early childhood Education Center on the Union Avenue Campus and the Campus Kids’ Corner at the Macon Cove Campus. 

Children who are taking virtual after-school classes through centers and schools are also welcome to attend. 

Child care grants available to eligible students
Fees for toddlers (13 months to 2 ½ years) at the Early Childhood Center on the Union Avenue Campus are $186 per week, per child and $150 per week for children 2 ½ to 5 years old either location.  While these prices are extremely competitive, Southwest also provides grants to eligible part and full-time students who are studying online or on campus. Fees for CCAMPIS grant-eligible students can range from free to at most a mere $24 a week per child. Grants are based on income and are eligible for children 2 ½ to 5 years old only. 

High-quality programming for children and parents
Southwest Child Care Centers have earned the highest rating from the State of Tennessee (three stars) thanks to their outstanding programming and activities that promote academic, socio-emotional, and physical skills development. In addition, programming is available for parents, including financial literacy, nutrition and cooking, and more!

Pandemic safety measures
In addition to following Department of Health Services safety guidelines, staff have taken the following pandemic precautions to lessen the risk of coronavirus spread:

  • All drops-offs of children are at the door, no parents are allowed inside the Centers.
  • All Center employees undergo temperature screening before allowed access.
  • All children undergo temperature screenings and are observed for symptoms of COVID-19 before allowed access.
  • All employees wear face masks and foot coverings while inside the centers.
  • All children two years and older wear facemasks while inside the centers.
  • All employees and children engage in frequent handwashing and use hand sanitizer.
  • Plexiglass barriers are installed in all classrooms and eating areas.
  • Enhanced COVID-19 campus cleaning protocols are practiced in the centers.
  • All parent engagement programs are virtual.

The Centers are accepting applicants, however spacing is limited. Call 901-333-5233 or 901-333-4522 today to secure your child’s spot! 

For more information, contact Dr. Mary Palmer, Centers Director, at mpalmer@southwest.tn.edu