Education department delays put parenting college students in a bind: Here's why child care funding matters more than ever
Parenting college students across the US are facing significant challenges due to delays in federal child care funding, jeopardising their ability to continue their education.
The US Department of Education has postponed grant applications for several federal programmes, including the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, which provides crucial support to student parents.
The CCAMPIS grant, established by Congress in 1998, offers millions of dollars to colleges to fund campus-based child care services. This includes staff salaries, before- and after-school programmes, subsidies, and advising to help students with young children stay in school.
However, delays in renewing this funding threaten to leave many parenting students without child care support early in the new academic year.
Federal funding delays threaten vital child care support
The CCAMPIS grant distributed over $83 million to hundreds of colleges in fiscal year 2023, with the average award exceeding $317,000 per institution, according to federal data cited by USA Today. This funding plays a key role in helping approximately one in five undergraduate students, who have children, complete their degrees.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think
Villas In Dubai | Search Ads
Get Quote
Undo
Carmina Garcia, a nursing student at Pima Community College in Arizona and mother of three young children, told USA Today, "I don't know how I could've done it any other way. If I wouldn't have found this, I don't think that I would be pursuing the education that I'm pursuing." Yet, her college has warned that the child care programme will end on September 30 due to funding delays.
Similarly, Mahogany-Ann Fowler, an architecture student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, faces uncertainty as her college's CCAMPIS funding is also set to expire on the same date.
IUP spokesperson Michelle Fryling confirmed to USA Today that the university is "unsure of any personnel changes related to the end of this grant."
Education Department cuts and grant delays cause confusion
The delays come after the US Department of Education halved its workforce in March under President Trump's administration. Typically, CCAMPIS renewal applications open in late May and close by July. However, the Education Department did not open applications this year, leaving students and colleges in limbo.
James Hermes, associate vice president of government relations at the American Association of Community Colleges, told USA Today, "We're still very much on the edge of our seats." Experts suggest the delay could be due to staffing shortages or possible attempts to reduce funding, as President Trump's budget proposal suggested eliminating CCAMPIS funding altogether.
Eddy Conroy, senior policy manager at New America, was quoted by USA Today questioning whether this is "a capacity issue" or "a backdoor way to illegally impound funds that have been appropriated."
Students scramble for alternatives as support disappears
Hannah Fuller, a 22-year-old student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a three-year CCAMPIS recipient, said her college is encouraging her to apply for state childcare programmes. Fuller told USA Today, "He would never see me," referring to her 4-year-old son, if she had to take on extra work to cover childcare.
One college, Mount Wachusett Community College in Massachusetts, has taken proactive steps.
Ann Reynolds, the CCAMPIS adviser, secured $94,000 from the college foundation to cover two years of childcare support, ensuring current students remain supported even if federal funds are delayed, as reported by USA Today.
The ongoing delays in federal child care funding are creating considerable uncertainty for parenting college students nationwide, raising concerns about their ability to continue their education without this essential support.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
here
.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
A miracle on wheels: 113-year-old iconic Swedish church completes breathtaking 2-day move - here's why
After a carefully executed two-day operation, Kiruna's 113-year-old red timber church has arrived safely at its new place. The relocation concluded the end of a delicate journey focused at shielding the structure from ground subsidence caused by long term iron ore mining. The iconic symbol of the northern Swedish city, traveled five kilometers on specially engineered trailers at a slow pace of 500 meters per hour, preserving its integrity throughout the move. Why the Church Had to Move Recognized as one of the nation's finest wooden buildings, the church had stood in its original location for over a the ground beneath it became unstable due to intense iron ore mining, pushing officials to carry out the massive relocation. At risk of subsidence, the church was mounted on specially made trailers and transported five kilometers at an average speed of just 500 meters per hour. The journey began with a heartfelt ceremony led by parish vicar Lena Tjärnberg and Bishop Åsa Nyström of the Diocese of Luleå. Their blessing set the tone for the trip, which rapidly drew large crowds. Despite the church moving only 30 meters in its initial hour, enthusiasm never waned. Residents lined across the streets, waving flags, filming , and celebrating in what many explained as a once-in-a-lifetime event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The #1 Mistake Tinnitus Sufferers Make Every Night (I Did It for Years) Derila Ergo Undo At the end of the second day, the church finally arrived on firmer ground safe and intact. Cheers and applause erupted as the structure settled into its new place, making not just the end of a journey but the continuation of a legacy. Architectural Significance Built in the early 20th century, the church is popular for its vivid red cladding and architectural style blending Scandinavian design with influences from the indigenous Sámi people. Beyond its role as a place of worship, it has long stood as a community hub and a symbol of Kiruna's identity. Live Events FAQs: Q1. Where is Kiruna Church located? A1. Kiruna Church is located in Kiruna, a city in northern Sweden, about 145 km north of the Arctic Circle. Q2. How old is Kiruna Church? A2. The church is 113 years old.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Optical Illusion: Only the sharpest eyes can spot the word 'HAND' in this picture
An optical illusion challenges readers to find the word "HAND" hidden within a sea of "HNAD." The brain's tendency to recognize patterns can make the task difficult, requiring focused, letter-by-letter scanning. Success brings a satisfying sense of discovery, highlighting how our minds process visual information and sometimes overlook subtle differences. At first glance, the image in front of you might look like it's full of nothing but the same repetition of the letters 'HNAD.' The sameness is so strong that your brain might catch up with the pattern and stop looking for anything out of place. But don't be misled, this is no typical cluster of letters. Beneath this ocean of repetition is a single odd word, and your task is to discover it. Credit: Free Job Alert The secret word you seek is HAND. Yes, one precisely executed letter arrangement in between identical duplicates stands out to you. The secret is the way our brain handles picture information. We often identify common shapes or sequences of letters without necessarily reading each letter meticulously. That's why your mind instinctively corrects "HNAD" into "HAND" while reading hastily. This habit causes the odd phrase to merge so completely into the throng, almost vanishing before your eyes. To uncover it, you'll need patience, focus, and sharp observation skills. Start by scanning slowly, letter by letter, instead of reading in chunks. Notice the positioning of A and N, in most instances, they appear reversed as 'HNAD.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hiranandani Communities Coming Soon to Alibaug. Hiranandani Exclusive Learn More Undo But somewhere, in a quiet corner of the grid, the letters fall neatly into their proper order, H-A-N-D. Think of it like searching for a needle in a haystack, only here, the haystack is made of tricky letters. Some people may discover it in seconds, while others might take much longer. Either way, once your eyes lock onto the correct sequence, you'll feel that satisfying spark of discovery. So, are you up to the challenge? Sink your teeth into the puzzle, hone your concentration, and see if you can find the hidden word HAND in plain sight. So, did you find it? How much time did you take to find the odd word? If you didn't find it, then don't be sad! Practice more and more optical illusions as these are all about practice. Find the answer to this optical illusion below in the second image. Credit: Free Job Alert If you enjoyed solving this one. Try more optical illusions like this from our section.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
10-ft-long Indian rock python rescued after causing panic in Mumbai society amid heavy monsoon rains
A 10-foot-long Indian Rock Python caused panic in a residential society in Mulund, Mumbai, after straying from its natural habitat due to heavy monsoon rains. The reptile, exhausted and disoriented, was safely rescued by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) in coordination with the Mumbai Forest Department. The incident underscores the increasing human-wildlife interactions in urban areas, particularly near forest peripheries like Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Experts emphasize that such intrusions are not unusual during monsoon seasons, when wildlife displacement occurs due to flooding and habitat disturbance. The swift rescue ensured the safety of residents while allowing the Indian Rock Python, a non-venomous constrictor, to return to its natural forested environment safely. Python spotted in Mumbai homes amid monsoon experts rescue safely On Tuesday afternoon, RAWW received an emergency call about a large python inside a residential society. Residents gathered as the snake climbed a tree, sparking fear and curiosity. Pawan Sharma, RAWW president, highlighted that such encounters are common in areas adjacent to forested zones, illustrating the challenges of urban wildlife management. As reported by PTI, wildlife experts explained that heavy rains often force snakes and other reptiles out of their habitats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo The Indian Rock Python had been displaced from nearby forests, struggling to find a safe route back to its natural habitat. Its exhaustion reflects the stresses wildlife face during monsoon flooding and urban encroachment. RAWW, in collaboration with the Mumbai Forest Department, conducted a safe and professional rescue. The python was captured without harm, then relocated to a protected forest area near Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This demonstrates the importance of trained wildlife rescue teams and emergency protocols for human-wildlife conflict. About the Indian Rock Python The Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) is a non-venomous, constrictor snake, one of the largest in India. Key facts include: Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and near water bodies Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles Behaviour: Nocturnal, generally non-aggressive Conservation status: Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 While harmless if left alone, their large size can cause fear in urban settings. Human-wildlife interaction in urban Mumbai Urban areas near Sanjay Gandhi National Park often witness wildlife intrusions, especially during heavy rains. Encroachment, habitat loss, and climate changes contribute to increased human-snake encounters. Precautions recommended by experts: Avoid approaching or attempting to handle snakes Keep pets indoors during the monsoon season Immediately inform certified wildlife rescue organizations Install proper fencing for societies bordering forested areas Also Read | Tennessee hiker dies after venomous timber rattlesnake bite; experts urge snake safety precautions for hikers
