Pima Community College opens free daycare for student-parents

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Student parents at Pima Community College will now have the option of getting free child care for their children.

PCC Early Learning Center partners celebrated the grand opening on Tuesday, August 9 and talked about what the center will offer student parents.

“If you have a good start in education, it opens doors for everyone,” said Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva.

The center offers free preschool classes for children aged 3 to 5.

It will serve student-parents whose family income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level.

They will also connect those who do not qualify with other resources.

“Nationally, 1 in 5 students currently attending college is a parent. And it’s often an invisible group trying to balance, take care of the kids, and then get to school” said David Dore, executive vice chancellor for student experience and workforce development at PCC.

An impact on the Pima County community report shows that daycare costs 15% of a family’s median income. This is compared to a family at the poverty line, where childcare accounts for an average of 43% of income.

Julie Mendivil is the center’s program manager and she says it’s wonderful to provide high quality child care in the postcode with one of lowest average income in Pima County.

Parents of students attending Pima Community College can apply now.

“Hopefully in September our program will be authorized and we will start with our first classroom,” Mendivil said.

The center will be open to children from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.