To: The Rhode Island State House and The Rhode Island State Senate

Child Care Assistance for College Students

Extend eligibility for the Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to college students. Low-income students shouldn't have to chose between working and going to school in order to receive assistance.

Why is this important?

As Associate Dean of Student Life at Rhode Island College and Advisor of the Student-Parent Association, I have seen students struggle to balance paying for child care and taking classes - many of them end up dropping out or taking longer to graduate as they have to go part time or take a few semesters off. Rhode Island College currently has approximately 500 students with children, some of whom could benefit from the Child Care Assistance Program. By enabling these students to continue their studies and graduate, we are helping ensure students are able to support themselves and their families now and in the future.