CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, N.Y. — When she heads to class, Tonie Westlake drops off her baby daughter Alana to the new child care center at SUNY JCC in Cattaraugus County. 

"Trying to find day care these days, like an open spot, is very hard. Most places are booked. It's very convenient. I'm just in the next building," said Westlake.

What You Need To Know

  • SUNY JCC in Olean recently opened a new day care center on campus

  • The center is another example of the long-standing collaboration between the college and the YMCA

  • SUNY invested more than $10M for the projects across the state

Westlake is a four-year nursing student set to graduate in May, who went back to college after her three other kids were of school age. 

"It took a lot of stress off my shoulders when they opened up the day care right on campus," said Westlake.

JCC collaborated with the YMCA as part of a decades-long relationship to meet the needs of the community recognized as a child care desert.

"Many pockets of New York state, there are deserts that exist. It gives me pride and makes me feel like the mission of the Y and the mission of the college are truly being lived out in real time by seeing these little people play and feel safe and have fun in our care, while mom and dad get to go and do the things they need to do for their family," said Jeff Townsend, CEO, YMCA of the Twin Tiers.

Funding for the $1.7 million space comes as part of a near $11 million SUNY investment into on-site child care available to students.

"And removes a barrier for them to be able to attend classes. That's a huge benefit to a student who's looking to come back as a parent to further their education," said Paula Snyder, executive director, Cattaraugus County Campus, SUNY JCC.

Like Westlake, who is now able to get caught up on doing homework and reviewing exam notes. 

"Very reassuring. Knowing that she is so well taken care of, I don't have to worry about that as much. Of course I still worry, but I know her day is going great," said Westlake.

And at the end of day, Westlake encourages other parents thinking of going back to school to explore campus day care.

"If you need it, take advantage of it. Because it certainly, it helps," Westlake said.

SUNY leaders say demand for child care spots has risen significantly on some campuses, as about 80% of students with kids say they have trouble meeting their child care needs.