Higher Education and Parenting
Parent students are an important part of the CVCC community. Across Virginia, parent students face multiple obstacles that can hinder their educational journey. From managing childcare and financial stress to navigating complex schedules, the path to a degree is often more demanding for those who juggle both school and parenthood. The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE)'s College Attainment for Parent Students (CAPS) program is an initiative designed to help parent students in Virginia’s community colleges overcome barriers to education and reach their academic goals.
CAPS Program Impact
CAPS is a lifeline for many parent students, offering financial assistance, mentorship, and access to critical resources that make pursuing a degree more attainable. Recognizing that parent students often have different needs than traditional students, the CAPS program tailors its support to ensure they have the tools and guidance necessary to succeed. Through these efforts, CAPS is not just helping parent students achieve their educational dreams—it's breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a legacy of opportunity for future generations.
What does CAPS offer?
- The CAPS program offers encouragement, accountability, free fun events for the student and their children, and an emergency fund for parent students.
- As part of the CAPS program, students will work directly with a Community Resource Navigator (Keshia Jefferson).
FAMILY STUDY ROOM: Located in the Library on the first floor of the Bedford Learning Commons 3104. This room was created for student parents who need a space to study and complete work with their child(ren). This room only holds 1 student and 1-2 children at a time. Please note that children must always be supervised when on campus and when using the Family Study Room. The family room is first come, first served.
This room includes but is not limited to:
- a city/car activity rug, (cars coming soon)
- matching dinos
- counting cows
- mindful mazes
- matching muffins
- sorting pie
- various puzzles
- building brick wall and bricks
- Magic Hands (heat activated drawing board)
- Fisher Price kitchen/garden play set
In addition, there are 2 Launchpad tablets with age-appropriate and educational material. The tablets need to be checked out at the front desk and are for in-library use only.
LACTATION ROOM: Located right outside of the counseling suite, this space is available in Amherst Hall 2130. This room is open to both staff and students and is available daily from 8 am - 5 pm. If locked during those times, please ask the front desk staff in the counseling suite to assist you. If this space is needed any time before 8 am or after 5 pm, please contact the Campus Police Department for assistance (Amherst Hall 2605, Phone: (434) 832-7700).
The lactation room is equipped with lockers, a mini freezer/refrigerator (for breast milk storage only), chairs, and early childhood development literature.
PARKING: Please note that if you are pregnant and having difficulty walking from the student parking lot to your classes, please visit the Campus Police Department to discuss a parking pass (Amherst Hall 2605, Phone: (434) 832-7700). Documentation may be required.
NATIONAL PARENT STUDENT AWARENESS MONTH: September is a month to celebrate and uplift parent students in higher education and show our appreciation for all your hard work and dedication. You deserve to be celebrated! We will have refreshments, prizes, raffles, and more. Join us every Tuesday in September from 11 am - 2 pm in the Student Center.
More Discounted kids’ meals (Be sure to call ahead to confirm offers have not changed)
East Coast Wings + Grill: offers kids eat free on Wednesdays after 3 pm with the purchase of an adult entree of $10 or more.
McAlister's Deli: Kids eat free (up to 2 free kids' meals for kids 12 and under per adult entree purchased) every Tuesday night from 5-9 PM, dine-in only.
O’Charley’s: Kids 10 and under eat free all day, every day with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Applebees’s: One free kids' meal (12 and under) with the purchase of an adult entree, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia.
Chilli’s: One free kids' meal with the purchase of an adult entree, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia.
IHOP: One free kids' meal with each full-priced adult entree purchase, every day from 4-10 pm, for a limited time (dine-in only).
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Kids eat free on Sundays, with the purchase of an adult entrée.
United Way Central Virginia: (211 Virginia is a free service that can help you find the local resources you need, including childcare)
Need help paying for Childcare? https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care
Amazement Square: (The Exploration for All program allows any family who participates in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to qualify for a general admission rate of $3 per person. This admission fee is available during all open hours with presentation of an active EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card, and is valid for groups of up to 4 guests). https://www.amazementsquare.org/sponsored-admission
Wakeshia Jefferson, Community Resource Navigator
Phone: 434-832-7829
Email: jeffersonwl@centralvirginia.edu
Sarah Blankenship, Interim Community Connections Coordinator
Phone: 434-832-7295
Email: blankenshipS@centralvirginia.edu