SUNY JCC in Olean opens new day care center on campus [Video]

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.

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 …