Welcome to the KAUST Children’s Center!

KAUST Children’s Center (KCC) is a center for children aged between 7-9. It provides students with a safe, happy, and balanced environment to socialize, learn and be active after the academic day at GES (Gardens Elementary School). KCC has a challenging, engaging, and collaborative play-based program whilst maintaining a strong level of self-directed inquiry. KCC also helps children grow into lifelong learners.

Our Students

The KAUST Children's Center is for students in Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4. Priority is given to families where both parents are employed by or studying at KAUST. When there is additional capacity, children outside this guideline are considered.

Our Schedule

The Children’s Center operates on the same days as The KAUST School. 

• Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday (ERD) - 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Drop Off

All registered students meet in the Elementary School Cafeteria. Children’s Center staff welcome them on:

• Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday (ERD) at 2:00 p.m.

Attendance will be taken before being transported to ECC3 (Early Childhood Center 3).

Pick Up

All students are expected to be picked up by 5:30 p.m. at the latest. They can also be released on their own (to bike or walk home) if parents give consent in the registration form.

Some of our features are:

• Capacity to welcome up to 40 children
• Daily healthy fruit snack
• Guided and free arts and crafts activities
• Guided and free sports activities
• Self-directed free play
• Field trips to IRC, cinema, bowling and more
• Trampoline and ninja obstacle course play area
• 30 minute movie time on Thursdays

Policies of the Children’s Center

• The Children’s Center believes respect, kindness, and empathy are learned through good examples and personal experiences. Behavioral problems will be dealt with through this lens. Should further issues persist Children’s Center will make ongoing and immediate contact with parents, but we reserve the right to withdraw our invitation to attend.
  
  
• No electronics (including mobile phones) may be used during the time at Children’s Center other than those supplied by the KCC.
  
  
• No toys may be used during the time at the Children’s Center other than those supplied by the KCC.
  
  
• Non-lockable storage space will be provided on-site. The Children’s Center takes no responsibility for personal items.
  
  
• The Children’s Center will supply fruit and water each day. However, personal snacks are welcome. Please aim for healthy snacks and drinks that are low in sugar and sodium. Utensils should be brought from home if needed.

Enrolment Type

• Full Time (5 days: Sunday - Thursday)
• Part-Time (3 days only: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
  

Fees and Payments

KAUST Children’s Center (KCC) accepts only monthly enrollment but payment is calculated per contact days. Contact days are days when children attend school, so weekends and holidays are not included in the fee.

Fees

A pro-rata rate of 69 SAR per contact day (15% VAT inclusive). Fees need to be paid by online bank transfer to the Community Life account.

Refund

• To request a refund, parents need to send an email to childrenscenter@kaust.edu.sa to inform the KCC Lead.
• There is no refund for missed days (e.g., illness, travel, family holiday, taking a day off).
• In case of non-attendance a refund can be requested through the KCC Lead, but a 25% retainer will be deducted from the refund due to initial planning and preparation costs.
• In the case of attendance of five days or less, KCC will deduct the days attended and the 25% retainer fee will also apply.
• In the event of attendance of more than five days, no refund will be given.

Siblings Discount
For families who enroll more than one child at KCC, the following discount(s) will apply: 

Location

The Children’s Center is located in the ECC3 (known as Safaa Gardens Daycare on KAUST Maps), rooms K-104 to K-107. When you enter ECC3 off Oasis Lane, turn left and then left again to reach our space.

Contact Us

We value open communication and collaboration between students, parents, and staff. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Email: childrenscenter@kaust.edu.sa

Classroom Phone: 012 808-6342

Mobile: 056 727-1909

Optional Classes

Community Life offers optional music and Arabic lessons at ECC3. Additional fees apply.  

• Music: Through active music-making, the course is carefully structured to introduce children to the basic elements of music fundamentals to learning to play an instrument. Ukulele lessons are also offered.
  Register here
  
• Arabic: simple, easy, and conversational curriculum taught twice weekly in 30-minute lessons, engaging children through play. Register here

Open Night at the KAUST Children's Center

The KAUST Children’s Center (KCC), after-school care, hosts an Open Night in June every year. If you'd like to learn more in person about the program, prospective parents are invited to attend and interact with staff, other parents and experience the activities offered to children. 

 For further information, contact the childrencenter@kaust.edu.sa.