If you’re a Portland State student with a child, the first order of business is to get yourself to the Resource Center for Students with Children. It’s an entire resource center on campus devoted to making the lives of students with children just a little bit easier.
It has a family resource room with computers, a lounge space and an area with toys for children, so parents can study while the children play. It also has backpacks full of age-appropriate toys and games that parents can check out to keep kids busy while parents study or attend meetings. If you’re a lactating mother, you can find eight lactation rooms spread through campus, made available by the RCSC. You just have to call 503-725-9878 for the code to the rooms. The RCSC also holds events throughout the year and has an emergency loan program for parents in need.
In reality, this is only a small portion of what this resource center does for its students. If you’re a student- parent, it’s definitely worth your time to stop by their office in Smith Memorial Student Union, room 462.
PSU also offers a number of daycare and childcare centers, to assist parents who need to attend classes and study sessions.
Little Vikings Flexible Childcare Center
Little Vikings offers “walk-in, reserved and occasional care for the children of PSU students, staff and faculty” for children ages six weeks to 12 years. However, it has a limit on the amount of time you can use their services and space is limited (it can only care for 15 children at a time), so reservations are required. Services are available four hours per day per child, and 12 hours per week per child. Rates are by the hour and range between $6 and $9, depending on the age of the child and how much in advance you make your reservation.
ASPSU Children’s Center
Located in SMSU, room 126, the Associated Students of PSU Children’s Center offers hourly childcare rates for students, faculty and staff. It doesn’t have a website available, but parents can call 503-725-2273 for more info or to enroll their child.
Helen Gordon Child Development Center
Helen Gordon is definitely PSU’s largest and most robust childcare option and offers preschool and kindergarten options. It offers childcare for 200 children ages one through six. Rates range from $224 up to $1,430 per term, depending upon the level and frequency of care and the age of the child. However, there are grants and subsidy programs available for those with need. There is a wait list and a registration fee, and parents must be registered for eight or more credits as an undergraduate or five or more credits as a graduate student to qualify for childcare. The Helen Gordon Child Development Center is dedicated to offering a caring and nurturing learning environment where children can grow.
