Dear Benny,
I’m looking for a day care center for my daughter. Does Penn have any child-care programsóand if so what kind of discount is there for Penn employees?

—Need A Sitter

Dear Working Parent,
First, the good news: Yes, the Penn Children’s Center—the University’s day care center—does offer discounts for faculty, staff and students.

Now, the bad: The center is so popular, there are currently lengthy waiting lists to get in.

Sam Frenkel, administrative coordinator for the center, said the wait to get into the center’s infant program ranges from 12 to 14 months, while the wait for other programs, available to children up to kindergarten age, is about 9 months. “We’re basically full,” Frenkel said.

Given the center’s amenities and high quality, that’s no surprise. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and boasts some top-notch facilities: five classrooms—all equipped with computers—and both an indoor and outdoor gym.

All of the center’s teachers hold degrees in Early Childhood Education or a related field, and all center staffers receive training in first aid, CPR, health and safety, child development and other areas of continuing education.

The center also offers emergency drop-in care, when available, for University faculty, staff and students—and even University guests, including lecturers, seminar attendees and others.

For those willing to wait it out, tours of the center can be arranged by calling 215-898-5268. For more information, you can also check out the center’s web site at www.upenn.edu/childcare.

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