For nontraditional students, childcare is an essential part of heading back to school. With COVID-19 changes and protocols, this service will look different for the fall semester at WSU.

The Nontraditional Student Center holds hourly childcare for those students who need it. With the new class formats, the center will only offer childcare for those who have face-to-face classes and those with virtual class time.

Debbie Cragun and Brandi Hernandez of the Nontraditional Student Center also note that, as things continue to change, so will the way the center is run.

Cragun and Hernandez said having access to childcare is important for helping students continue their education. The center will follow CDC and health guidelines to protect children. Parents will drop children off at the back entrance with teachers who will escort them inside.

The Davis Campus Nontraditional Student Center will be closed for the semester, and no extended hours will be offered. With ever-changing circumstances, it could also mean that Davis could open later in the semester for just a few hours.

Returning parents will have priority and will need to fill out an application on the Nontraditional Student Center website. The application deadline for returning parents is July 20 and the deadline for new parents is Aug. 3.

The hours during the fall semester will now be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and evening care will only be provided if more than five children are enrolled on a given night.