From left to right: Maureen Baska, Steve Alwine, Matt Motolko, Mike Krebs, Blake Sheeley, Barb Davey, Tony Polotto. Team members not pictured: Denise Murphy, Rachel Otwinowski, Rich Bellis, Paul Kempf, John Lloyd
Finding quality childcare is one of the biggest challenges facing working families, and Notre Dame rose to meet that need. Partnering with KinderCare—the nation’s largest childcare and early education provider—a cross-functional team from NDHR, Finance, Facilities Design and Operations, and the Office of General Counsel made a new on-site childcare center a reality for University faculty, staff, and students with children as young as 6 weeks old. Located near White Field and the Family Resource Center, the facility offers a convenient, high-quality resource that supports the Notre Dame community and its families.
Through months of collaboration, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication, the team successfully opened the KinderCare center on schedule in August. The new facility not only provides a safe, enriching environment for young children, but also demonstrates Notre Dame’s commitment to the well-being of families. For members’ vision, teamwork, and lasting impact on the campus community, we proudly honor the KinderCare team as recipients of the Presidential Team Irish Award.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on September 15, 2025.