Atatürk University believes that motherhood should never hinder women’s right to education. To ensure that student mothers can continue their studies without interruption, the university provides on-campus childcare and day-nursery services, integrating both care and early childhood education within the campus ecosystem. These facilities enable recent mothers to attend lectures, laboratory sessions, and academic activities with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and educational environment.
ATA KREŞ – On-Campus Nursery and Day Care Center
ATA KREŞ is an early childhood education and daycare center established within the structure of Atatürk University Foundation Schools. It serves as a cornerstone of the university’s social support system, combining education, care, and developmental support for children of both staff and students.
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Age group and structure: ATA KREŞ accepts children between 12 and 45 months of age, offering classroom groups designed for developmental stages — for instance, Deniz (1-year-olds), Doğa (2-year-olds), and Gezegenler (3-year-olds) classes. Each group follows age-appropriate learning programs that focus on cognitive, motor, emotional, and social development through art, music, and sensory play.
(Atatürk University Foundation Schools – ATA KREŞ)
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Operating hours: The nursery is open weekdays from 08:15 to 17:15, coinciding with standard university lecture hours. This full-day structure enables student mothers to attend courses, research sessions, and seminars throughout the day while their children are under professional supervision.
(Atatürk University Official Announcement) -
Learning and care environment: ATA KREŞ is not only a daycare but also an educational preschool environment. It offers safe and stimulating spaces equipped for health, hygiene, and play-based learning. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, communication, self-expression, and basic science activities, preparing children for early learning stages while supporting their emotional well-being.
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Registration and accessibility: Registration for ATA KREŞ is open to both university personnel and student families, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. The university promotes this publicly on its website and social media platforms, reinforcing transparency and visibility.
(Instagram Announcement) -
Integration with education and research: The university’s Department of Child Care and Youth Services and Early Childhood Education specialists provide academic oversight, ensuring that the daycare aligns with national early education standards. This connection also allows practical training and applied research opportunities for students studying early childhood education, enriching the facility’s quality and sustainability.
Child Care and Day Nursery Network – Extended Campus Support
Beyond ATA KREŞ, Atatürk University collaborates with local and institutional day nursery and child care centers (Çocuk Bakımevi ve Gündüz Bakımevi) in Erzurum to create a wider childcare support network.
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Community collaboration: Through its Center for Social Sensitivity Projects (ATA-TDM), the university engages in community projects and awareness programs with nearby child care institutions such as “Çocuk Sokağı Kreş ve Gündüz Bakımevi”. These partnerships enhance knowledge sharing, volunteer activities, and joint events focusing on child well-being and parental education.
Such collaborations strengthen student awareness of childcare opportunities and promote social inclusion for young mothers balancing education and family life.
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Educational continuity for mothers: Thanks to these partnerships, university students who are mothers—especially those without extended family support in Erzurum—can benefit from accessible childcare options near campus, with affordable rates and safe, quality environments for their children.
Institutional Integration and Commitment
Atatürk University treats childcare as an integral part of its gender equality and inclusivity policy. The existence of on-campus childcare facilities directly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The university highlights this commitment in public communication and SDG reports, presenting ATA KREŞ and related services as examples of social responsibility and family-friendly campus design.
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Physical proximity to academic buildings makes it feasible for student mothers to drop off their children before morning classes and pick them up after lectures.
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Trained childcare professionals and health and safety protocols ensure quality care aligned with Ministry of National Education regulations.
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The university continuously expands capacity and plans to reserve spaces specifically for children of student mothers, providing partial or full fee exemptions for economically disadvantaged families.
