Four area community colleges are among the 11 across the state expanding their child care services.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the colleges will either expand child care hours to better align with the schedules of student parents enrolled in high-demand programs or create additional spots for infants and toddlers. The move is part of the governor’s SUNY Reconnect Initiative, offering free tuition, books, and supplies to those aged 25-55 who don’t already have a degree to pursue a degree in high-demand fields.
“We are investing in the futures of our adult learners and student parents to ensure they can pursue and achieve their dreams,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the expansion of child care across SUNY’s community college campuses, the SUNY Reconnect program and dedicated support initiatives, we are reinforcing our commitment to meeting the needs of adult learners and offering them a path to upward mobility.”
Finger Lakes Community College, Monroe Community College, and Onondaga Community College are among the five that will expand their child care hours. The others are Dutchess Community College and SUNY Broome Community College.
FLCC will expand its evening hours up to 9:00p two days a week; MCC will add 16 hours during the evening and create additional slots for toddlers and infants, and OCC is working with the YMCA to provide evening child care slots for parents enrolled through SUNY Reconnect.
Tompkins Cortland Community College is one of six colleges creating additional spots for infants and toddlers. The others are Jamestown, Nassau, SUNY Niagara, Rockland, and SUNY Westchester Community Colleges.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Student parents should be able to focus on their studies without having to worry about finding safe and affordable child care. The expansion of the child care programs across SUNY’s community colleges will work to remove barriers, so all of our students can receive the support they need to pursue the education of their dreams. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her leadership, support and investment in this initiative.”
