The increase in attendance of married students with children in the early 1970's made it apparent that a full-time day care facility was needed at the University of Calgary. A Committee comprised of faculty and community members began negotiations with University officials, the Provinical Government and the City of Calgary for a day care centre in 1975. The University Day Care Society was officially established in December, 1975 to provide optimum quality day care services for the children of students, faculty and staff and from the community at large. The Society was also established to make a setting available whereby research in day care services could be carried out with accepted research methodology. A 14 member Board of Directors, comprised of students, parents, faculty, staff, governors and the community was given authority to manage the affairs of the Society.

The University Day Care Centre opened its doors in 1976 to 60 children. They were housed in temporary facilities on the lower level of MacEwan Hall with funding from the Department of Social Services, City of Calgary. A program for children with special needs was added in 1977 and 6 additional spaces approved in 1979. In September of 1993, the Imperial Oil Child Care Building was opened with room for 80 children, a fenced-in playground adjacent to the building and large indoor play areas. The name of the facility was changed in October, 1994 to the University Child Care Centre (UCCC).

The Child Care Centre is under the guidance of the University Day Care Board which defines the purpose, objectives and scope of service, develops policies and bylaws and maintains a sound financial base. The Executive Director of the Board manages the operations of the UCCC; the Program Director co-ordinates the educational components of the program.