Hourly care was created for families who don’t need regular 40 hour/week, Monday through Friday child care, and it’s for those times when families who have other child care need a plan b. Families can choose to use the Hourly Care program at LCLA on an as needed basis, or families can sign a short-term contract for a length and number of hours per week that fits their needs.
How do I make a reservation?
–Reservations can be made using the request form on the front page of our website. Click on the leaf for first time visits, or the tree trunk for returning reservations, to get you to the correct reservation form.
–If your need is urgent or you need an answer quickly, you can text your reservation request to (608) 719-4024.
How far in advance can I schedule care?
You may make your reservation up to two weeks in advance.
What hours in the center open?
The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Starting September 20th 2021, you can request evening reservations. During our pilot program, rates of care are the same as care provided during regular business hours. Evening care is available Monday-Friday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and Saturdays from 9am-4pm. Please use our text line or reservation request form to reserve care.
What is the cost of care?
The Bonsai Room serves children 6 weeks-18 months. Care in this room is $13/hour.
The Willow Room serves children 18 months-3 years. Care in this room is $12/hour.
The Maple Room serves children 3 years until Kindergarten. Care in this room is $11/hour.
There is a two hour minimum for care.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel a reservation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations the day of the reservation are responsible for the total cost of the reservation.
Does the center ever fill up?
Yes. Please make reservations as soon as possible per our reservation policies. We are a UW Madison affiliated center. Because priority is given to UW Madison affiliated families, there may be weeks or months where a classroom is unavailable for reservations due to a short-term contract of visiting faculty members. We do our best to ensure this doesn’t happen, but there are occasions when it does.
Can my child come to the Hourly Center regularly for a couple of months if my other child care provider is unavailable or if I have extra childcare needs?
We do offer short-term contracts on a limited basis. The center can only accommodate a small number of these contracts per semester. We follow the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s calendar to determine semester schedules. UW-Madison students and faculty are given priority for these short-term contracts. Rates for care are still the same as the Hourly rate for care.