Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast has entered an agreement with The Learning Community (TLC) Child Care Center that will provide expanded child care for Ivy Tech–Northeast students, faculty, and staff. TLC will be Ivy Tech–Northeast’s preferred provider for child care services for the 2010–11 academic year.

“We’re anxious for the success this agreement will bring both The Learning Community and our students, faculty, and staff with children,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor Jerrilee K. Mosier. “This agreement will provide safe, affordable child care services to our families’ children in an early learning environment.”

TLC has extensive experience in operating a licensed child care center in a facility that it owns near the Ivy Tech–Northeast campus. With this partnership, Ivy Tech will be able to offer access to full- and part-time child care services for infants and children through age 13.

The Learning Community will provide services to Ivy Tech students and employees at reduced rates. Specific rate structures vary depending on age of children as well as full- or part-time service. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.

Ivy Tech–Northeast will enlist its School of Education to provide operating recommendations as well as offer opportunities for students to participate as interns, teachers, or work study staff at the facility. The college’s Student Government Association will provide financial support in an amount of $70,000 over a one-year term, and the contract will be renewed by mutual agreement for additional periods of time.

“I am glad we are in a position where we can support family values here at Ivy Tech,” said Stedmon Bates, Ivy Tech–Northeast Student Government Association president.

The Ivy Tech/TLC agreement is similar to one IPFW entered into with the child care in November 2009, where it was able to offer these discounted services to its population beginning Spring 2010 semester. Both institutions subsidize a portion of the service based on an expected amount of students it receives per year.

The Learning Community is located at 2041 Reed Road, close to the intersection of State and Reed roads. Questions regarding The Learning Community’s services and rates should be directed to Brad Hand, administrator of The Learning Community, at 260-424-8852. Questions regarding the Ivy Tech–Northeast and TLC agreement should be directed to Chuck Lewton, vice chancellor for student affairs of Ivy Tech–Northeast, at 260-480-4212.