UO CHILDCARE CENTERS TO HOST GRANT CELEBRATION
October 6, 1999
Contact: John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135
WHAT The University of Oregon’s child care centers will celebrate their receipt of grant
funds, as part of a national initiative, that will provide increased child care subsidies to low-income UO families so that student parents can remain in school.
WHEN 9:30—10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7
WHERE Amphitheater at the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), 1222 E. 13th Ave. on campus
WHO UO student leaders, child care officials and other partners in the grant program will describe what receiving the new money will mean. Speakers include:
• Dennis Reynolds, EMU child care coordinator
• Jane Wagner, director, Vivian Olum Child Development Center
• Susan Blanchard, director, Spencer View Co-Op Family Center
• Wiley Chen, ASUO president
• Kathleen Workman, ASUO non-traditional student advocate
• Representatives from Head Start of Lane County
• Children and parents from campus child care programs
BACKGROUND
The EMU and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) are recipients of a "Child Care Access Means Parents in School" (CAMPUS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The new four-year grant will provide expanded childcare subsidies for low-income UO student families with pre-school-aged children enrolled in one of the three UO child care facilities–the EMU Child Care and Development Centers, the Spencer View Co-Op Family Center and the Vivian Olum Child Development Center.
In addition to the increased subsidies, participating families will receive free comprehensive education, health and family services provided by Head Start of Lane County.
The University of Oregon is one of 87 colleges and universities receiving 1999 CAMPUS grants totaling $4.9 million. This national program, announced in mid-summer by Vice President Al Gore, aims to help more low-income student parents attend postsecondary education by providing them with campus-based child care services.
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