Northwest Indian College students will soon have more childcare available on campus.

This winter, more parents will be able to drop their children off at the college’s Early Learning Center thanks to an expansion that will allow the center to bring in 20 more children. Construction on the center began last summer.

Ashia Smock, the Early Learning Center  manager, said demand for childcare at the facility has outweighed available spots, specifically preschool care, since the center opened in 2009.

“We had a long waiting list and we just needed more space,” Smock said, in a press release.

Right now, the ELC is maxed out at 19 children.

Construction, which will give the center a new preschool room, will allow them to bring in 20 more children between 30 months and 5 years old.

A grand opening for the preschool room will be held at the ELC at 4 p.m. on Dec. 5.ELC families, NWIC staff and community members are invited.

The ELC is located on the north side of Kwina Road in Building 18—between student housing and the Center for Student Success.

Assuming all licensing requirements are met in time, which Smock expects, the space will be open for use on Jan. 7—the beginning of winter quarter.

For more information, including application requirements, contact the ELC at 360-392-4260.