Frequently Asked Questions

About Enrolling Your Child at the UWM Children's Center:

What age children does your Center serve?

We serve children ages 6 weeks through 12 years.

What are your hours?

We are open Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Who is eligible to use the Center?

Parents must be affiliated with the UW-Milwaukee campus. There are four categories in which to qualify:

1. Student

Student status is determined by registration for at least three graded credits (graduate students, 2 credits), enrollment in a degree-granting program, and payment of the segregated fee. 

2. Faculty/Staff

Faculty/Staff status will be determined by at least one parent being on the UW-Milwaukee payroll.

3. Member of the UWM Alumni Association

Alumni status will be determined by at least one parent being an active member of the UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association.

4.  Hartford University School families

Hartford status is determined by at least one parent being a teacher at Hartford University School or a family with a child attending Hartford University School.

How do I apply?

Applications are available at our reception desk and are available 2-3 weeks prior to the priority application deadline listed below. You are able to apply for a current semester, or the next upcoming semester during the registration period, but we do not accept applications for future semesters. There is a $30 application processing fee for UWM students; the fee is $40 for non-students. 

When can I register and how long until I find out if my child is accepted?

Please see our Program Calendar for this information.

Can I choose my child’s schedule?

Children must be scheduled for a minimum of two blocks per week, over two days per week. Children six weeks up to school age may be scheduled in a couple of ways: per block per ½-day (7:00-12:30 and/or 12:30-6:00), or full-time/full-year. School-age children may be registered in our all-day kindergarten program, in our after-school program, or in our summer day camp.

Do you have room for my child to attend your Center?

For current semester available hours, please see below for contact information. Future semester availability is not determined until after that semester’s registration process is complete.

Does your Center have a waiting list?

We typically do have some families on a waiting list, and the list changes each semester. Our waiting list varies greatly depending on the age of the child, the hours/days requested, and the parent’s University status.

If I apply now and am not accepted, do I get priority for the next semester?

Yes, if you are already on the waiting list and you reapply for the following semester, you will have priority over new families that apply in your category (i.e. student, faculty/staff or member of the UWM Alumni Association).

How much does it cost?

Please see Tuition/Fees on Home Page.

What do I need to send with my child every day?

If your child is in attendance during the lunch hour, you will need to send a bag lunch with your child. The Children’s Center provides milk at lunchtime, snacks and juice. For young children, parents provide diapers and formula. 

Do you accept payments from the county/state or other third party payments?

Yes, all types of financial assistance are accepted. 

Can I make an appointment to see your facilities?

You can call 229-5384 to set up a time for a tour.

If you have further questions or would like to speak with someone, please contact our Enrollment Manager @ 229-5384 or e-mail on the form below. 

Who will care for my child?

In each classroom, there is a full-time, degreed Master Teacher. A full-time Head Teacher works with the Master Teacher and helps in providing consistency for the children. UWM students who receive extensive on-the-job training comprise the rest of the classroom staff.

What are your staff-to-child ratios?

Our staff-to-child ratios are an important factor in determining quality care. Our ratios are as follows:

6 weeks – 12 months  1:2

12 months – 18 months 1:3

12 months – 3 years  1:3 or 1:4

3 years – 5 years  1:5

Kindergarten (4 and 5 yrs)  1:8

Grades 1-5  1:10