As a student parent, you want to make the best future for your child. ACC is here to help, with child care for college students. We provide access to child care funding that supports your choice of preschool or infant care that works for your family. From child care scholarships to food assistance, emergency funds, and health resources, ACC can help with the financial support you need to succeed in school and provide for your family. Explore child care resources below and find the solutions that work for you.
Who Is Eligible for ACC Child Care Scholarships?
Students must meet the following basic criteria to be eligible for the child care scholarships.
- You have applied to ACC and have registered for classes.
- You have applied for financial aid, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is less than 1500, as verified through the Department of Education process.
- Alternate Income Verification can be done if you do not have a FAFSA or TASFA on file using the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Students who make 200% or less of the current year’s FPG are eligible for the child care scholarship.
At this time, continuing education and adult education students are not eligible for child care scholarships.
Child Care Resources
The following are programs available to ACC parenting students.
ACC encourages students to take advantage of all of the support services the college offers. These resources are meant to help take some of the pressure off as you earn your degree.
Child Care Scholarships
ACC’s child care scholarships run on a semester basis. As a parent, you can choose your child care provider based on your family needs. Find out if you qualify here.
Evening Child Care at ACC
ACC offers evening child care at Eastview Campus for children ages two to ten for student parents who take night classes. Costs are on a sliding scale, and through the program CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School), some students may be able to send their child to the evening care program for free.
The Children’s Lab School
ACC’s Child Care and Development Department runs the Children’s Lab School, a small daycare and preschool for a limited number of children between the ages of six months and five years. It is accredited by NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children).
The Children’s Lab School is located on ACC’s Eastview Campus.
More Support for Parenting Students
ACC has a number of resources that can help you be a successful parenting student. From academic support to financial, food, and mental health resources, you have the support you need to meet your goals.
The Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Connection offers a database that lets you search for daycares and preschools that meet your needs.
Texas Health and Human Services’ 211 Texas can help you find food, health, housing, and other resources to support your family.
Child Care for College Students FAQs
Who is eligible for ACC Child Care Scholarships?
Students must meet the following basic criteria to be eligible for the child care scholarships.
- You have applied to ACC and have registered for classes.
- You have applied for financial aid, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is less than 1500, as verified through the Department of Education process.
- Alternate Income Verification can be done if you do not have a FAFSA or TASFA on file using the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Students who make 200% or less of the current year’s FPG are eligible for the child care scholarship.
At this time, continuing education and adult education students are not eligible for child care scholarships.
How does the Child Care Scholarship pay out funds?
ACC pays the child care provider directly at the end of each month as long as invoices have been submitted to the child care specialist. Invoices and payments are made after services are rendered, which means ACC does not pay for child care at the beginning of the month as requested by some providers.
Does the scholarship continue to pay for child care during winter and spring breaks?
This depends on the child care agreement. If you have completed your advising and have planned your classes with your student advocate for the fall, spring, or summer semesters, then your advocate will request an award for those semesters that will include for winter and/or spring breaks.
I submitted a child care request. What happens next?
We review requests for eligibility on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar year. We will send a follow-up email if we need alternative income verification. Eligible students go on the waitlist for the current or next semester.
How will I be notified if I am awarded the child care scholarship?
If you are awarded a child care scholarship, an ACC advocate will email you before the semester starts (early August for the fall semester or in mid-December for the spring semester). The child care specialist working with your advocate will follow up with an email requesting information about your children and the designated child care center you are working with.
Is there a waiting list? How does it work?
Yes. Most students are added from the waitlist before the semester begins, typically in early August for the fall or mid-December for the spring semesters. As funds become available, additional students may be added at the beginning of each semester.
The waitlist is first-come, first-served for all eligible students.
What child care providers can I choose from?
A student may choose any child care provider licensed by the state as long as the provider is willing to sign up as a supplier with ACC. Child care specialists can also provide a list of centers currently signed up as suppliers with ACC if you don’t already have a provider in mind.
What other child care assistance options are available?
- Workforce Solutions
- Capital Idea
- Capital & Rural Capital Area
- Headstart
A student advocate provides case management and support with accessing internal and external resources, especially in connection to essential needs, as well as academic and social support to remove barriers to success and help students complete their education. They are also the ACC’s parenting student liaison and foster care liaison. There is a student advocate assigned to each campus, and they can meet with students virtually. To set up an appointment with a student advocate, please fill out the student advocate request form.
What is a Child Care Specialist?
A child care specialist works with students and child care providers to complete the business processes of setting up a child care agreement with Austin Community College. They facilitate the process and problem-solve any payment issues. Child care specialists also organize all ACC family-friendly events across the district.
Who do I contact if my provider has questions about the agreement or payment?
Your provider should contact child care specialists with questions about agreements or payments.
Apply for ACC Child Care Scholarships
Take some of the stress out of your academics by applying for an ACC child care scholarship and other support services. Click on the button below and fill out the form to get started on your application.
Still have questions?! We’re here for you!
If you run into any issues you can contact the Student Advocacy Center at [email protected] for assistance.