ECC awarded $96,000 grant to help student parents

The U.S Department of Education has awarded Elgin Community College a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant. The award is for one year, with the potential for an extension of up to three more years for a total of $383,864.

The grant money will be primarily used to fund child care subsidies for PELL eligible student parents, allowing them to bring their children to ECC’s Early Childhood Lab School at an affordable rate while they attend classes at ECC. The grant will also allow the school to develop and host parent workshops and engagement events, a community resource booklet, and resurface aging playground equipment.

“Child care is a major barrier for parents of young children who wish to further their education. Having access to high quality, affordable child care right here on campus undoubtedly helps student parents attend school and pursue their goals, thereby creating a promising and stable future for their young family,” said Beth Mrofcza, director of child care services.

The Early Childhood Lab School at ECC holds an Illinois ExceleRate Silver Circle of Quality rating. The lab school provides care services for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years old. Student parents can use the lab school’s flexible scheduling in two- to three-hour blocks, helping to minimize their total child care costs.

Applications for the subsidies will be available during the spring enrollment period. Student parents with questions can contact the lab school at 847-214-7376.

Contact: Elissa Kojzarek

Communications Specialist

Office: 847-214-7828

Email: news@elgin.edu

Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive public community college, one of 48 statewide. ECC serves approximately 15,000 students each year. Programs of study include 25 major fields for university transfer, more than 130 career-oriented, occupational degrees and certificates, corporate and continuing education, and a full complement of pre-collegiate courses. The three-year graduation rate exceeds the national average and the average of peer colleges. ECC awards more than 2,200 degrees and certificates each year.

ECC NEWS MEDIA PROTOCOL

All members of the media should utilize the public relations department as the first point of contact. The communications specialist, may be reached at 847-214-7828, or news@elgin.edu. All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing to Marilyn Prentice, compliance officer, at mprentice@elgin.edu or via fax at 847-214-7375. This release is the official newshead for Elgin Community College. Any information received on behalf of ECC not on this newshead should be disregarded.