Gateway Community & Technical College, the Gateway Foundation, and Children, Inc., are offering childcare for Gateway students. Childcare will be available to students during the fall semester, Monday – Thursday, from 8:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., at Gateway’s Edgewood campus.
Childcare has been identified as a significant need for Gateway students. This partnership with Children, Inc., is in response to the community need and Gateway’s commitment to removing barriers for students.
“We want to help our students finish their degree faster and create a better life,” said Dr. Fernando Figueroa, Gateway president/CEO. “We’ve heard from our students that childcare is a barrier for them, so we are working to address this issue.”
Students taking daytime classes at any of Gateway’s three campuses can utilize childcare offered at the Edgewood campus. Student must apply to be in the program and be in good academic and financial aid standing.
“Having childcare on campus has benefited my family and I tremendously,” said Gateway student, Christy Miller. “The pursuit of an education is changeling enough, let alone being burdened by concerns over childcare or the expense.”
Gateway piloted the childcare program during evenings in the spring 2019 semester. During that time, 17 children were enrolled in childcare, allowing parents to take classes and study. Students enrolled online courses can take advantage of childcare availability too and use the childcare time to do classwork.
Children, Inc., provides an age-appropriate learning environment, teaching topics such as colors, numbers, letters and seasons. Fine arts are also integrated in the curriculum including dance, art and music. Children are encouraged to use their imagination and creative expression. Children, Inc., employees are trained in working with children with special needs including ADHD, speech delay and autism.
Learn more about the free childcare program and eligibility here.
Interested in taking classes at Gateway? Fall classes start August 19. Apply now.
