As elementary schools around the state suspended in-person classes this fall, it had a ripple effect of unprecedented magnitude felt by students and parents alike. With young students at home in their online environments, some parents were forced to consider giving up their own educational aspirations for the sake of their child’s education.
According to the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), nearly 25 percent of college students in the U.S. have dependent children. In addition, research shows that being a parent substantially increases the likelihood of leaving college with no degree. In a world without elementary schools, the statistics are stacked against parents trying to pursue their college education.
GateWay’s Children’s Learning Center (CLC) saw a void and stepped up with a solution for its students returning to the classroom, as well as faculty and staff who had to be on campus/present for various reasons. In August, the CLC launched a new service for elementary school children by offering in-person learning support for young students currently enrolled in online learning.
Using their highly qualified staff, they have been able to offer personalized support for children who are in grades K-6.
“We had a large conference room space that was not being used, and we converted it into a study hall, where our employees’ and students’ children could bring their laptop and receive assistance with their own online learning environments,” said Leia Wilson, CLC director.
With its quick action and adaptability, the CLC has been able to provide support to students attending GateWay and other Maricopa Community Colleges.
Caris Hall, assistant director of the Children’s Learning Center, said, “We have been able to connect students with various subsidies to reduce their childcare tuition costs at our facility and have been of great assistance to nursing students as we are able to accommodate their shifting schedules.”
Despite a continuing pandemic, the CLC has provided a glimmer of hope. Parents no longer have to worry about their kids falling behind in school while they go to work or school themselves.
Students and employees are still able to enroll their children in the preschool and in the school age program (ages 6-12 years old). Students may also enroll at a discounted rate, and there are various tuition assistance for eligible families.
For more information about GateWay’s Children’s Learning Center, visit https://www.gatewaycc.edu/childcare or email clc@gatewaycc.edu.