CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act Child Care Access Means Parents In Schools Reauthorization Act
Should SB5033 be enacted, it would significantly influence the provision of child care services across higher education institutions. By establishing a grant system, the bill intends to mitigate the struggles student parents face in balancing educational commitments with parental responsibilities. The legislation emphasizes a sliding fee scale for child care services and aims to subsidize costs, thus supporting greater participation of low-income and single-parent households in higher education. Furthermore, the bill aims to create a more inclusive environment for student parents by prohibiting discriminatory practices in programs funded under this act.
SB5033, known as the CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act, aims to amend the Child Care Access Means Parents In School Program under the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill's primary goal is to enhance accessibility and affordability of child care services for eligible student parents, thereby facilitating their success in postsecondary education. It permits the Secretary to award grants to eligible institutions, allowing them to better provide crucial child care services, including campus-based programs. Notably, the proposed grants will have a minimum threshold of $75,000 and can reach up to $2 million per year, depending on institutional need and the availability of federal funds.
Despite the potential benefits, there is room for contention regarding the funding and allocation of resources. Critics may raise concerns about the sustainability of grant funding and whether institutions will effectively manage and distribute the allocated resources to ensure equitable access for all eligible student parents. Additionally, the bill requires that institutions meet certain quality standards for the child care services they provide, which, while aimed at ensuring high-quality care, may also introduce challenges in compliance for some institutions. Stakeholders may also debate the requirement for local or institutional contributions to enhance grant applications.