Note: See information for parents about 2009 H1N1 flu.

In the right place? For full-time care, check out UCSD's Early Childhood Education Center.

UC San Diego offers part-time child care at the Mesa Child Development Center (map). The center offers 2 half-day sessions on weekdays:

• Morning: 8 a.m. – noon
• Afternoon: 1–5 p.m.

Monthly rate: $675. Additional children from the same family save 10%.

Eligibility: UCSD affiliates (full-time students, faculty, and staff) who are parents may enroll their children ages 2 1/2 to 5.

Applications: Parents may place a child on a waiting list before the child reaches eligible age. Submit a separate application for each child either online or by mail:

• Online: Complete an online application, then mail a check for a $35 non-refundable processing fee for each child (payable to UC Regents) to:
      University of California, San Diego
      Early Childhood Education Center, Mail Code 0962
      9500 Gilman Drive
      La Jolla, CA 92093-0962
• By mail: Call (858) 246-0900 to request a printed application. Complete the application and send a check for a $35 non-refundable processing fee (payable to UC Regents) for each child to:
      University of California, San Diego
      Early Childhood Education Center, Mail Code 0962
      9500 Gilman Drive
      La Jolla, CA 92093-0962

Curriculum: The part-time program emphasizes hands-on, child-driven learning, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.

Staff: All classrooms employ 1 lead teacher and 2–3 assistant teachers, depending on class size. All teachers are state-certified.

Class size: 24 students maximum

Accreditation: This new program upholds the standards of the National Association of Education for Young Children and will apply for accreditation as soon as it is eligible.

For more information, download a brochure (PDF) or contact Mesa Child Development Center, (858) 246-0900, weekdays 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.