YWCA South Hampton Roads’ Child Development Centers at TCC earn distinction for quality

YWCA South Hampton Roads’ four Child Development Centers at Tidewater Community College have each earned distinction from Virginia Quality, the voluntary statewide system that evaluates staffing and programs at day care centers and preschools.

The centers have achieved Level 1 certification, according to the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System – or QRIS.

To earn Level 1 standing, a program must be in compliance with all local and state regulatory agencies as they relate to basic health and safety of children. This is the first step of the five-level quality improvement path, with each level building on the one before it.

YWCA South Hampton Roads operates and staffs the centers located on TCC’s Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach campuses. The partnership, which began in 2013, allows the college to offer high quality, affordable day care to students and community members.

“By voluntarily joining Virginia Quality, the YWCA demonstrates to staff, parents and the community that we are committed to providing quality care for young children,” said Mary Kate Andris, president and chief executive officer of the YWCA South Hampton Roads.

“All credit for achieving this milestone goes to the YWCA South Hampton Roads, our valuable community partner that made quality child care a reality on our campuses,” said TCC President Edna V. Baehre-Kolovani. “We will continue to work with them toward reaching each successive level so we can better prepare our children for their eventual college education and introduction into the workforce.”

The Child Development Centers are open to current students, faculty and staff, as well as the community. Full- and part-day care is provided for potty-trained children 2½ years up to age 6. Fees are income-based.

The Child Development Center on the Virginia Beach Campus recently added a classroom that will allow 25 more students to enroll.

All Child Development Centers are fully licensed by the State of Virginia Department of Social Services.

For information, visit www.tcc.edu/childcare or email Alisha Newman, the YWCA’s Youth Services Director, at alisha.newman@ywca-shr.org.

TCC is the Eastern Region home of Virginia Quality. To learn more, visit www.qualitybeginshere.com.