September 23, 2021

Duckworth, Durbin Announce Nearly $280,000 to Support Child Care for Illinois Student Parents

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $278,851 in federal funding to four Illinois colleges through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program. This funding from the U.S. Department of Education will help provide low-income student parents at these institutions with campus-based child care services.

“Shrinking child care options makes it even harder for student parents who are trying to balance college coursework and raising children,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing funding that will help increase access to child care services so student parents can focus on getting an education that will help them provide a better future for their families.”

“A lack of affordable childcare options should never prevent someone from pursuing higher education and a better life for their family,” Durbin said. “This federal funding will help increase access to on-campus child care for student parents. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Duckworth to find ways for more parents to afford childcare services, which will lead to better economic outcomes for families and better lives for children.”

The following entities will receive funding:

  • Rend Lake College in Ina is expected to receive $30,451.
  • Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield is expected to receive $78,400.
  • Parkland College in Champaign is expected to receive $81,950.
  • College of Lake County in Grayslake is expected to receive $88,050.

Last month, Duckworth re-introduced the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools Reauthorization Act (CCAMPIS) to reauthorize and fully fund the only federal program that exclusively supports on-campus child care services. Duckworth originally introduced this legislation when she was in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Last week, Duckworth and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced a bipartisan resolution which was passed by voice vote that recognizes September 2021 as National Student Parent Month. The resolution highlights the contributions and achievements of the nearly 4,000,000 Americans with children who attend postsecondary educational institutions.

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