Child Care Center

Kneedler Child Development Center

The Kneedler Child Development Center is named is honor of Mary Kneedler, a long-time advocate for quality care and education for children. As a Western faculty member during the 1960s, Mrs. Kneedler was instrumental in the development of the national Head Start program, as well as other services for preschool children. She has provided gifts totaling $100,000 that helped open the center.

Kneedler graduated from Duke University with a nursing degree in 1936 and took her skills into rural areas, serving as a public health nurse in three North Carolina counties, and in Kentucky. She later returned to school, earning a bachelor's degree in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1947, and a master's degree in public health nursing administration from the Teachers College of Columbia University in 1952.

The center, under the guidance of the University Child Care Advisory Council, is jointly managed by two community partners- Mountain Projects (Head Start) and the Sounthwestern Child Development Commission. The Center is closely integrated with the university through the Division of Student Affairs. Ms. Jane Adams-Dunford, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, is the administrator directly responsible for overseeing the center.

The mission of the Kneedler Child Development Center

Mission Statement: In support of the University, the Kneedler Child Development center is committed to providing high quality child care for the students, faculty and staff of WCU. We are dedicated to providing affordable and accessible child care for families within a diverse community. In addition, the center will serve as a teaching site for observations, practicum experiences, research and internships for students at WCU. While supporting the academic programs of the university, we will encourage opportunities for personal, social and intellectual development.

Where is the center located?

The center occupies an area of approximately 5,000 gross square feet in the University Outreach Center's west wing.

How many spaces are available for children?

The center is licensed for 70 children. There are six classrooms broken down as follows:

13-18 months: 5

19-24 months: 5

12-24 months: 10

2 years: 12

3-5 years: 36

The center serves primarily the children of Western-affliated parents although it may be possible that some members of the community will be served as space permits.

What are the hours of operation?

The center is open from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closely follows the university calendar for administrative operations.

How is the center staffed?

There is a lead teacher and an assistant teacher in each of the six classrooms. All of the lead teachers have either a two year or four year degree with experience in early childhood. The director has a master's degree in early childhood education. The center utilizes work study students in each classroom.

How much does the child care cost?

The cost of services at the Kneedler Child Develpment Center is comparable to area day care centers. For those with financial concerns, subsidy may be available. Families that qualify for Head Start will receive services at no cost.

Further Information

Students, faculty and staff interested in placing their children at the center can contact Nancy Porter, the director, at 293-1530