UNM has too few options for on-campus child care

Editor,

I am a UNM student and the mother of two children under the age of 2. As any other student, at times I need help with my classes in order to get the grades I desire. CAPS is the best resource for help at UNM. Last week, I needed help with chemistry homework. The assignment was due at 3 p.m., so I woke up the kids at 8 a.m. and spent an hour getting them ready to go. I arrived at the UNM campus around 9:30 a.m. and went to the third floor of Zimmerman Library. Upon arrival at CAPS, I attempted to check in, but I was informed that children were not allowed in the area. I was told that it was a distraction and unfair to the other students.

I would like to mention that my kids are very quiet, well-behaved and have even attended classes with me. The CAPS employee said she thought there was a day care on campus. The truth is there is no day care on campus for children of students only. The UNM Children's Campus is a five-star child-care facility. It is one of the top-rated facilities in the city. However, it is open to the public and children of the UNM faculty, not students alone. Due to the high interest in this day care, there is an extensive waiting list. My daughter has been on it since six months before her birth; she is now almost 2 years old.

There is a drop-in program for students; however, this is only available for the time you are in class, and entry is very competitive. It is often overbooked, leaving many parents like myself without options.

I have attended school at both New Mexico State and Mt. San Antonio College in California. Both these schools offered student-only child care at little to no cost. Why does UNM not follow suit?

My tuition is aiding in keeping CAPS and many other student services afloat, so how is it fair that I am unable to use these services, as well? Am I being treated poorly for going back to school at an older age in order to provide a better life for my family? I understand the policy CAPS holds against children, but what other options is UNM providing me as a mother and a student?

Sherry Neal

UNM student