What is Child Care Assistance?

Many of AC's students have small children who must be cared for if their parents are to attend classes. Knowing this, AC has worked with the Deep East Texas Local Workforce Board to create a fund of approximately $250,000 per year to assist parents in paying for childcare. This fund is administered through the region's childcare management system (CCMS) contractor, East Texas Support Services. To secure assistance in paying for childcare, the student must follow these steps:

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW FOR CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE:

1. About two weeks before the semester begins, click on the link below to reach the application for childcare services. Print two copies.
   

2. Immediately mail to East Texas Support Services (P.O. Box 850; Jasper, TX 75951) the following:
   A. One completed copy of the application:
   B. One copy of the Verification of Attendance form, completed and signed by Mrs. Bowser, Room 208 in the Student Center and
   C. One copy of your unofficial transcript (if you have attended college before). 
   NOTE: You can obtain the schedule and the transcript from Campus Connect.
   

3. Complete the second copy of the application and take it to Special Student Support Services, Room 208 of the Student Center.
   

4. Allow 4 to 5 days for the postal service to deliver your application; then call 1-800-256- 1030 to give East Texas Support Services information about your childcare facility and any other information they need.
   

5. Remember that you must maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to continue to receive this assistance. 
   

Application for Assistance

Suggestions for Selecting a Child Care Center

1. Interview caregivers to find out about hours of operation, cost, age of children accepted, number of children in care, licensing and accreditation, meals provided, and transportation (to and from school, if that age child is involved).

2. Visit the facility more than once and look for relationship of teachers to children, contentment of children, activities, cleanliness and safety, a variety of learning materials, and individual attention.

3. Ask questions: How do you handle discipline? What happens if a child is sick? What do you do in an emergency? Do you have substitute teachers? Do you know that babies should sleep on their backs? What training do your teachers have? May I see a copy of your current license? May I have a list of parents who have used your care?

4. Check references. Talk to other parents about their experience with the center.

5. Ask the licensing agency about complaints about the provider.

6. Stay involved. Talk to your child every day, visit often, and talk to the caregiver.