College of the Canyons has received a $1.37 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Child Care Assistance Means Parents In School program to directly benefit the college’s Early Childhood Education Center.

The four-year CCAMPIS grant will aid the postsecondary education success of 170 eligible student-parents by providing no-cost preschool services and comprehensive support services.

“COC serves a vast region in northern Los Angeles County characterized by growing numbers of underrepresented residents and their families, higher than average unemployment, higher rates of poverty, and lower educational attainment,” said Amber Cole, director of grants development at the college. “This grant will provide eligible ECE parents with the resources they need to reach their academic goals without having to worry about childcare.”

Participating parents will be enrolled in COC academic programs that are linked to high-skill/high-wage career track jobs with strong, long-term regional demand.

In addition, parents will have access to on-campus student and academic support services, as well as community services, such as housing, nutrition, and transportation assistance.

The grant will also allow the ECE to make necessary renovations, fund a child psychologist, outfit classrooms with iPad technology, and expand program delivery times to increase availability of early, mid-day, and evening hours.

“Access to quality childcare can be a barrier for our students when pursuing their educational goals,” said ECE Director Julie Keller. “This grant will provide expanded access to childcare on campus and allow for greater student support for long-term success.”

Opened in 1982, the ECE at COC has provided care and education for children 12 months of age until they are able to attend Kindergarten. The Center also provides training and practicum study opportunities to COC students who are working toward careers related to early childhood education.

CCAMPIS supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education by providing campus-based childcare services.

For more information about the ECE at COC, please click here.