Empowering 91原创 student-parents
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson December 19, 2024
CEHD helps 91原创 student-parents pursue their education through childcare scholarships for their children
For many parents across the nation, a lack of access to affordable, high-quality childcare 鈥 especially for children under the age of 5 鈥 prevents them from pursuing higher education. Fortunately, there is good news for parents pursuing their education at the 91原创.
As part of the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, the 鈥檚 (CEHD) (ELC) now offers free, campus-based childcare to Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate and graduate student-parents. The ELC is now accepting seeking childcare for the current academic year and future enrollment.
鈥淪tudent-parents often struggle with finding and financing high-quality childcare,鈥 said , interim dean and professor in CEHD鈥檚 (HDFS). 鈥淩esearch shows that having access to childcare for student-parents increases student well-being and increases the likelihood that students complete their degree programs. CCAMPIS funds have allowed us to build an infrastructure on campus to better support our student-parents.鈥
Support from the Early Learning Center
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), more than one in five college students are parents. At 91原创, an estimated 400 students are parents. Given the nationwide shortage of early childhood educators, many of these students struggle to find affordable childcare and wrestle with the decision to pause or discontinue their education.
鈥淏efore I enrolled my child at the ELC, I struggled to find childcare,鈥 said Kosiso Madu, a 91原创 student-parent participating in the CCAMPIS program. 鈥淚 made countless calls to centers [about care for my child]. I was always told there was no availability. Apparently, I should have started looking before my baby was born.鈥
Thanks to CCAMPIS funding, the ELC offers childcare scholarships and essential family support, empowering eligible parents to balance their academic, work and personal responsibilities. Conveniently located on 91原创's main campus, the nationally accredited center provides research-based, play-focused care and education for children from infancy through second grade. Operating weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the ELC offers a full-day program that nurtures children鈥檚 development while supporting student parents with mentoring, coaching and a range of resources to help them thrive.
鈥淔amily partnerships are the very heart of our philosophy,鈥 said Kelly Freel, who co-directs the ELC with Jessica Peace. 鈥淲e partner with families in setting goals, sharing successes, completing child screenings and watching for any developmental milestones that may need more support. Our outstanding team of dedicated professionals understands that they are laying the foundation for all future educational experiences, and they know that the first step in this journey is building trust with parents and caregivers.鈥
Michelle Alequine, a former early childhood educator, serves as the ELC family services coordinator. She supports 91原创 student parents participating in the CCAMPIS program and takes pride in cultivating strong relationships with families.聽
鈥淚 am focused on assisting 91原创 student-parents in successfully balancing parenting with pursuing their education,鈥 said Alequine, who brings experience working with parents from her prior role as a classroom teacher. 鈥淚 am dedicated to being a reliable childcare resource and guiding them through these challenges, ensuring that this part of their journey is both rewarding and fulfilling. I aspire to be an ally they can confidently turn to for support.鈥澛 聽
As a member of the ELC community, Madu appreciates the supportive environment and the quality of care and education that her child now receives.聽
鈥淭he ELC staff are very friendly and welcoming,鈥 Madu said. 鈥淓veryone is professional and the things they do are backed by research. I am confident that the ELC is the best early education center in Newark, and I never worry when I leave my child there because she's very well taken care of.鈥
Resources for 91原创 student-parents
This is the first year that 91原创 has been awarded CCAMPIS funding, but the award is part of ongoing efforts at 91原创 to support student-parents. For example, Emily Davis, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences鈥 Departments of English and Women and Gender Studies, has coordinated data gathering on 91原创 student-parents and chaired a working group on supportive policies for families within the 91原创 Graduate College Council.聽
鈥淪ecuring the CCAMPIS grant is a big win for our students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level,鈥 said Davis, who served as a member of the grant writing team. 鈥淎s we know, the combination of high costs and long wait lists for childcare nationally hits student-parents especially hard.鈥
The 91原创 Graduate College website provides a list of available resources for both undergraduate and graduate 91原创 student-parents, including information about CEHD鈥檚 , which serves children from the ages of six months through eighth grade. It also features a frequently asked questions section covering a variety of parenting topics, such as pregnancy and nursing, healthcare, financial hardship and more. Additionally, 91原创鈥檚 Division of Student Life offers a range of services for all students, including access to clothing, food, housing, transportation and mental health support.
About the CCAMPIS program
The CCAMPIS grant program has supported the postsecondary education of eligible student-parents since 2011. The DOE prioritizes applicants, like 91原创, who propose evidence-based approaches to improving access to childcare and outcomes for underserved student parents in coordination with government agencies or community-based organizations. The ELC partners with , housed in CEHD鈥檚 , and DOE鈥檚 Office of Early Learning to provide comprehensive care and services for families who are from underserved communities.
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