KinderCare at WFU prepares to open its doors

Wake Forest University celebrated a milestone in its commitment to supporting faculty, staff, and students with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the soon-to-open child care and early education facility at the University Corporate Center. The event, held August 28, marked the successful completion of construction of the new facility that will be operated by KinderCare Learning Companies for Employers to provide high-quality care and early education for the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities.

“This is a historic day for Wake Forest University,” said President Susan R. Wente. “The establishment of this child care center underscores our commitment to creating a supportive and thriving community. Balancing work and family is challenging, but being able to increase the availability of quality child care will help families in our community thrive both personally and professionally.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, members of the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities were invited to attend an open house. Approximately 90 families and individuals were in attendance to view the new facility, explore classrooms, and meet KinderCare teachers.

“It is clear that child care availability plays an essential role in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Provost Michele Gillespie. “This center will allow our colleagues and students to focus on their professional and academic pursuits with the peace of mind that their children are receiving excellent care.”

KinderCare at Wake Forest University anticipates officially opening its doors to children and families this September, pending successful licensure. The child care and early education center will provide infant through pre-K care and is designed for 5-Star NC quality-rated licensure and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation. Plans for the center were announced in October 2023.

“The opening of KinderCare at Wake Forest University reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the resources and services available to our community,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jacqueline A. Travisano. “We believe that by supporting our employees and students in this way, we are contributing to their overall wellbeing and, in turn, the success of our institution.”

As an employer-sponsored child care facility, Wake Forest faculty, staff and students and affiliate employees who work full-time at a Wake Forest property receive priority enrollment. Additional information about KinderCare at Wake Forest University can be found at kindercare.com/wakeforestuniversity.