HCTC receives grant for childcare access

Many students report that not having access to quality childcare is a barrier to attending college. In fact, students who drop out often cite lack of childcare as their primary reason for leaving.  To address this barrier, HCTC sought and received a four-year grant for $582,304 from the U.S. Department of Education CCAMPIS program which is "ChildCare Access Means Parents in School.”  

Childcare vouchers will be distributed to HCTC students with children. CCAMPIS covers up to 38 childcare slots with six different providers, with a total of 17 locations. Every county in the HCTC service area has at least one participating childcare center. Beyond helping with childcare vouchers, the College will assist participating childcare centers in becoming nationally accredited. 

Heather Watts began Jan. 2 as the Project Coordinator for the new CCAMPIS grant. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Cumberlands and earned an associate degree from HCTC in Early Childhood Education. Previously, she was employed by LKLP Head Start for the last five years.

HCTC’s Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Coordinator Penny Smith will serve as a mentor in the program. Also, student parents will be connected to the HCTC Ready to Work Program.  

HCTC President Dr. Jennifer Lindon noted, “Seeing our students able to pursue their dreams is so gratifying to us all. Knowing that access to childcare is a stumbling block, we are thankful for this program. It will be exciting to see how this grant changes lives.” 

Heather Watts can be reached via email at hwatts0009@kctcs.edu or by phone at 606-487-3426.