13-03-2025
Mount Wachusett student-parents can leave children in program while they attend classes
Mount Wachusett Community College has received a $20,000 grant to expand its Child Watch program, according to a community announcement.
The funding, provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM), will allow the college to hire additional staff and purchase supplies for the program, which offers a supervised space for student-parents to leave their children while they attend classes or study.
The grant has enabled the college to employ a part-time Child Watch Team Leader and two part-time Child Watch Team Members during busy school vacation weeks.
Sara Leopaldi, an Early Childhood Education major set to graduate in May, has taken on the role of Team Leader.
'Without the Child Watch I would not be where I am today,' Leopaldi said. 'If I can support my fellow student parents the way I was supported I know each and every one of these parents will succeed at whatever they put their mind to.'
The program allows student-parents to leave their children in a safe environment for up to four hours while they remain on campus and reachable by phone.
'The CFNCM's support has enabled us to create a supportive, responsive and inclusive space for student-parents that fosters academic success, personal growth and community building,' MWCC President James Vander Hooven said. 'Without this funding we would not have been able to hire the necessary student workers to provide consistent, quality care for the children of our student-parents, especially during peak times like the K-12 school vacation weeks.'
The Child Watch program not only provides childcare, but also serves as a learning opportunity for students in various majors, including Early Childhood Education, Nursing and Human Services.
'Over the course of the semester, our Child Watch Team Lead has brought a wealth of information to the room and helped to revamp our policies and procedures while guiding our staff in how to engage, comfort and support our young charges,' Ann Reynolds, MWCC coordinator of student parent supports, said. 'By hiring part-time students from diverse majors, we've been able to build a dynamic team that not only offers care but also contributes valuable knowledge and resources to the families we serve.'
The grant has facilitated the creation of an environment where peer-to-peer mentoring can thrive, according to Reynolds.
The Child Watch program is part of MWCC's broader efforts to support student-parents, who often face unique challenges in balancing their academic and family responsibilities.
By providing a safe and supportive space for their children, the program aims to alleviate some of the stress and pressure these students may experience, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal growth.
The funding from the CFNCM is a significant boost for the program, enabling it to expand its services and reach more student-parents in need. With the additional staff and resources, MWCC is better equipped to provide consistent, quality care for the children of its student-parents, particularly during peak times like school vacation weeks.
The Child Watch program is a testament to MWCC's commitment to supporting its diverse student body and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Mount Wachusett Community College program helps student-parents
