SUNY Sullivan has been awarded $1 million in state funding to support the expansion of the College’s on-campus childcare center. The funding is part of a $15.6 million state investment to expand child care access at the State University of New York and the City University of New York announced this week by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Run in partnership with the Healthy Kids Early Child Learning Program, SUNY Sullivan’s on-campus childcare center provides students, employees, and community members with a preschool childcare program for children aged 3-5 during on-campus class hours. The state funding will support renovations that will allow the College to expand the program to infants and toddlers.
“We are very grateful to Governor Hochul and SUNY for recognizing that it is often the non-academic barriers that prevent students from succeeding in college,” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “These funds will allow us to fill a much-needed gap in Sullivan County and ensure that more parents are able to attend college, obtain degrees, and expand their employment opportunities. Being able to provide access to infants and toddlers is a great step forward and also has the potential to allow us to expand educational opportunities for our students in our early childhood education programs.”
At some State University of New York campuses, about 80 percent of students with dependents reported that they had trouble meeting their child care needs. The State University of New York is expanding on-site child cares services with $7.6 million for campuses with the greatest demand, which includes: Alfred State, SUNY Canton, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Jamestown Community College, SUNY Old Westbury and SUNY Sullivan.
“Expanding high-quality, affordable child care options is an essential piece of creating a more equitable and accessible higher education system for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration remains committed to ensuring all parents have access to quality child care, and this funding is a critical step toward ensuring parents have the support they need to pursue a quality education and build a better future for themselves and their families.”
“We have a holistic approach to student success and have made great progress in New York State thanks to Governor Hochul and our Legislature, and the expansion of child care is critical for many students and faculty alike,” said State University of New York Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley.
Space in the Healthy Kids Early Child Learning Program at SUNY Sullivan is available on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the program, visit healthykidsprogramsearlylearning.com/sunysullivan.
About SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers over 40 degree programs, certificates, and micro-credentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information, visit sunysullivan.edu.
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October 21, 2022.