Baruch College’s Early Learning Center Secures Funding from the U.S. Department of Education

The $570,768 four-year grant will enhance child care and education services to student-parents

October 19, 2018

Baruch College’s Early Learning Center received a four-year grant for $570,768 from the U.S. Department of Education that will support its mission of providing child care and education services to student-parents who attend the institution.

By securing the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS) grant, the Baruch College Early Learning Center (BCELC) will be able to provide a range of family support services and programming to enhance the lives of student-parents and their children, as well as offer child care fee subsidy assistance to Pell eligible student-parents.

“This is the first time submitting an RFP for the CCAMPIS grant, so it was very exciting to learn that our proposal was accepted for funding,” said Lorraine Mondesir, Director of the BCELC. “Our center continues to provide high-quality, low-cost child care to our student parents.”

Commitment to Student-Parents

In addition, this funding will allow the BCELC to conduct outreach efforts to promote the center to increase enrollment of low-income student-parents; create a parent resource room and lending library that would include books, games and puzzles which helps connect school to home; and partner with on-campus programs and off-campus organizations to establish a parent wellness program.

The goals of these program enhancements are to reinforce the BCELC’s commitment to support needs of student-parents, support and build upon children’s development and aid in the graduation and retention rates of primarily low-income student parents by improving the well-being of the family and community.

About the Baruch College Early Learning Center

The BCELC provides child care services so student-parents can pursue their college degree. The BCELC program—for children two-and-a-half to five-years old—presents an interdisciplinary, project-approach to curriculum and is designed to stimulate children’s interest and sustain curiosity; to encourage children to explore their environment as they engage in exploring their world, to construct an understanding of their own experiences; and to offer opportunities for in-depth exploration and research.

Children at BCELC participate in individual and group activities such as woodworking, cooking, storytelling, music, art, and working with blocks. There is also daily outdoor play and walks around the neighborhood.

The BCELC is licensed by the New York City Department of Health and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

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