Establish child care centers for student and community use
The number of undergraduate students who are parents has grown considerably in the past two decades, with some estimates putting the number above 20%. At the same time, the number of schools with campus child care centers has decreased. Adding to the problem is the cost of child care, which in many states is more expensive than in-state tuition at public universities and forces would-be students to choose child care over education.
Colleges and universities have space and human resources (including students) to provide child care not only for students but for parents working in different sectors in the community. Opening up to a broad base of potential users increases funding streams and creates opportunities for other partnerships that could benefit the students.
To get started:
Consider creating a family services office to assess needs, determine services, allocate resources, and evaluate effectiveness.
Explore your immediate area for potential partners (e.g., businesses, faith communities).
Develop a referral system of college students who provide drop-in or emergency child care.
Best Practices / Innovative Programs
Mount Wachusett Community College in Massachusetts provides child care and before and after school subsidies to qualified students through the CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) Program. The Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education offers an on-campus preschool program with vouchers and subsidies available for qualified students. An endowment helps to pay for child care stipends for students in the Early Childhood Education program.
The University of Iowa Family Services Department provides on-campus subsidized child care and camps - and partners with more than 10 private child care centers near campus. The University’s child care subsidy program provides financial assistance to help with the cost of students’ regular, ongoing care.
