Reunion Childcare
Grinnell College has partnered with licensed teachers, Reunion Student Childcare Staff, and the Grinnell Community Early Learning Center to provide childcare options during Reunion for children ages 6 months to 12 years.
Register for childcare when you register for Reunion. Please reserve early to ensure availability. If interest and registration for childcare is low, we may not be able to offer the option at Reunion 2024. You will be reimbursed if a childcare session is cancelled due to low enrollment.
The Program
Children ages 6 months to 6 years are cared for at the Grinnell Community Early Learning Center, a 5 block walk or very short drive from campus. A shuttle is also available.
Childcare for children ages 7 to 12 years is primarily on campus and may include visits to off-campus locations within walking distance, such as Central Park and the splash pad. The preliminary planned itinerary is below. Depending on enrollment size, this age group may be divided into two age groups. If siblings of different ages would do best to stay together, please let us know, either within the registration platform or by emailing reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu, so we may accommodate that.
Friday May 31, 5 to 11 p.m.
$60 per child
- Ages 6 months to 6 years, at Grinnell Community Early Learning Center, dinner included on-site. Optional late drop-off or early pick-up for guardians providing own transport is acceptable any time.
- Ages 7 to 12, dinner at Reunion Block Party Kids Meal included. Optional late drop-off at 7 p.m.
Saturday June 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$80 per child, ages 7 to 12 only
- Ages 7 to 12, lunch at Marketplace Dining Hall on campus included.
Saturday June 1, 5 to 11 p.m.
$60 per child
- Ages 6 months to 6 years, at Grinnell Community Early Learning Center, dinner included on-site. Optional late drop-off or early pick-up for guardians providing own transport is acceptable any time.
- Ages 7 to 12, All-Reunion dinner included. Optional late drop-off at 7 p.m.
You may register your child(ren) in one or multiple childcare sessions.
Check-in and Pick-up details
Ages 6 months to 6 years
A shuttle will be provided from the main entrance of the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC) to the Early Learning Center, but parents may also transport children to and from the location. The Early Learning Center is a 5-block walk or short drive from campus. Please notify the Help Desk or email reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu if you will be transporting your child. Please bring your child’s safety seat. The shuttle will NOT have child safety seats and will not transport children without the proper seat.
As the care providers are paid for the full time period, the $60 fee cannot be prorated for late drop-off or early pick-up.
Guardians check their children in at the shuttle pick-up or the Early Learning Center and bring a completed Early Learning Center medical/dental release form for their child. If you complete the medical/dental release form in advance of Reunion, please email the completed form to reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
Ages 7 to 12 years
Meet at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC) game room, located to the right just inside the main entrance, for drop-off and pick-up. You will be able to meet the care providers when you drop off your child.
Guardians check their children in with the lead teacher or Reunion Student Childcare Staff and bring a completed medical/dental release form for your child. If you complete the medical/dental release form in advance of Reunion, please email the completed form to reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
Evening childcare begins at 5 or 7 p.m., in case you prefer to spend the early part of the evening with your child(ren). As the care providers are paid for the full time period regardless of late drop-off or early pick-up, the $60 fee cannot be prorated.
Please arrive at the scheduled time promptly. In order for the activities to take place without disruption, arrivals more than 30 minutes past drop-off times will not be accepted for childcare. Please tell the lead teacher if you need to pick your child up early. A more detailed agenda and relevant phone numbers will be provided when you drop off your child.
What to bring along
Ages 6 months to 6 years
If you have an infant or toddler who needs diapers, formula and/or baby food, you are expected to provide these supplies. If your child requires any medications during the weekend, there will be additional paperwork for you to fill out at the Early Learning Center. Please label all clothes and toys!
Ages 7 to 12 years
Children will need to wear their Reunion namebadges and comfortable walking shoes, and please send a water bottle and sunscreen to keep your child happy in the sun! A swimsuit and towel may be needed for a visit to Central Park’s splash pad during the day Saturday. We will keep you informed of any additional supply needs in early May once activities are planned.
We are not licensed to dispense medication to children. Medications should be given by guardians to children before, during, or after childcare.
Planned Itinerary for ages 7 to 12
Friday, May 31, 5 - 11 p.m.
- 4:45 - 5 p.m. Drop off and check in, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 5:05 p.m. Join Block Party activities: live bands, games, activities, Kington Plaza/Central Campus
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner, Block Party food trucks
- After dinner, Block Party activities, Kington Plaza/Central Campus
- 8:30 p.m. Optional check-in time, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 8:45 p.m. Dessert/snack, Block Party food trucks
- 9:15 p.m. Walk to Observatory
- 9:30 - 10 p.m. Experience observatory, Grant O'Gale Observatory
- 10 p.m. Return to HSSC, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 10 - 11 p.m. Cool down activites or rest, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 10:45 -11 p.m. Pick up and check out, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
Saturday, June 1, 5 - 11 p.m.
- 4:45 - 5 p.m. Drop off and check in, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 5:05 p.m. Visit Game Lounge, Harris Center
- 6 - 8 p.m. All-Reunion Dinner, Kids can eat with parents or with staff!
- After dinner, Play on Mac Field, swings, frisbee, field games
- in case of bad weather, hang out in JRC game room, ping poin, air hockey
- 7:30 p.m. Family Night Movie, Commencement Stage
- 9 p.m. Just Dance, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 9:45 p.m. Dessert/snack, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 10 - 11 p.m. Cool down activites or rest, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
- 10:45 -11 p.m. Pick up and check out, Global Events Lounge, HSSC N1164
Before you register
If your child needs special supervision or has special needs, please tell us when you register by emailing us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. Failure to provide special considerations and/or needs of a child in advance may result in your child not being able to participate. We cannot accept children who have disabilities that may cause them to run away or act out aggressively.
Our goal is the safety and enjoyment of your child and the other children in the program. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
More questions?
Ask the staff at the Registration Desk during Reunion weekend, email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu, or call 866-850-1846 to speak with an alumni relations team member.
*childcare program subject to change pending registration