By Jonah Grinkewitz

Everyday working parents juggle the demands of parenthood and their careers. Having reliable, safe and nurturing childcare for their young children is essential to a parent’s success in managing those demands. Through investments in experienced staff, modern facilities and enhanced management, Old Dominion University proudly offers affordable, high-quality on-campus childcare for its employees and the broader Hampton Roads community at its two Children's Learning and Research Center (CLRC) locations. 

"Having high-quality childcare and preschool so close to where my husband and I work makes a huge difference in both practicality and peace of mind," said Cayla Morgan-Lalami, director of marketing strategy in undergraduate enrollment management at Old Dominion University. "It allows us to stay connected to our daughter’s day in a way that wouldn't be possible otherwise, and it fosters a strong sense of trust knowing she’s just steps away in a safe, nurturing and educational environment."  

“The University Women's Caucus has long been an advocate for on-campus childcare, because it is key to employee success,” said Ruth Osorio, Ph.D., associate professor of English and women’s and gender studies, and president of the University Women’s Caucus.  

From its inception as the Lions Club Child Study Center in 1967 to the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility on 47th Street in 2018, the CLRC has been vital in supporting the well-being of the children of faculty and staff, with significant advocacy from the University Women’s Caucus. 

“We know that moms, along with parents of all genders, need to know their children are cared for and safe during the day,” said Dr. Osorio. “Many of our own kids went through the CLRC, and we continue being committed to ensuring affordable, high-quality childcare is on campus.”  

Families with children from infancy through the age of 5 are supported at two campus locations, including one on 45th Street on the main part of campus. The staff consists of full-time teachers trained in early childhood education working alongside Old Dominion University students pursuing careers in childcare and education. This collaboration ensures the highest quality of care for children, while offering valuable learning opportunities for current Monarch students. 

 “We love the student workers,” said Rebecca Marvin, regional manager of operations for Bright Horizons. “For us to encourage that kind of growth in our industry is amazing.” 

Since taking over management operations of the CLRC in August 2025, Bright Horizons has introduced operational updates and enhancements with a focus on safety, programming and overall family experience. This level of operational and service delivery is made possible due to the commitment and support of University leadership, especially President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. 

The CLRC also partnered with Aramark to expand the children’s dining menu to include healthier options and hired additional staff to accommodate near-full capacity at both locations.  

“We have noticed such a positive energy and professionalism under Bright Horizons’ management,” said Theresa Walton, a parent of a child enrolled at the CLRC. “The center feels extremely well organized, communicative and intentional in the way it operates. There seems to be a strong focus on both educational quality and family experience, and it really shows.” 

The commitment of the CLRC’s staff to building strong relationships and maintaining a high standard of care has created a welcoming, community-focused environment. 

“From day one, I’ve really just wanted to make sure I’m connecting with as many people as possible,” said Jordan Caudle, center director for Bright Horizons at the CLRC. “The more that we can let families and staff on campus know that we’re here for them, the more we’ll be able to sustain and grow the program.” 

Although the CLRC is geared toward supporting University employees and their families, the center is also open to the broader Hampton Roads community. 

“The CLRC has been an incredible resource for me and my family,” said Maryrose Blank, another parent. “Being a resident of Norfolk and looking for childcare that you can trust is very important. Coming straight out of maternity leave, I wanted a center that I could feel complete peace of mind dropping off my child at 3 months old and trusting that they are in good hands.” 

Marvin and Caudle acknowledged the trust parents have in the center and its staff to educate and care for their children, highlighting the significance of this responsibility. 

Old Dominion University is committed to offering a safe and welcoming environment for the children of its employees and the broader community. To the University, access to high-quality childcare is not just a benefit — it is a responsibility. And, it is one that its employees and community members value. 

“It’s more than just childcare for us; it’s a meaningful part of how we balance work and family life within the same community,” said Morgan-Lalami. 

To learn more about the CLRC, visit their website.