The recently released Year One Annual Report details how the five-year project aims to establish at least 50 Head Start childcare centers on community college campuses by 2030, addressing two critical challenges simultaneously: the need for high-quality early childhood education and the barriers that prevent many student parents from completing their degrees.
"This partnership addresses two glaring yet severely overlooked problems," said Steve Jurch, ACCT Center for Policy and Practice Associate Vice President. "While many parents are enrolling at community colleges, now comprising more than 20% of all students, more than half are not completing credentials. A lack of affordable and accessible childcare is a leading reason."
The multigenerational approach is showing encouraging early results. The report indicates that 87 community colleges and 98 Head Start programs across 27 states have already engaged with Kids on Campus, with 18 potential partnerships identified. Two new partnerships launched in Fall 2024, with a third set to open in spring 2025.
These partnerships create mutual benefits for colleges and Head Start programs. Colleges gain expert partners who operate on-site child care without taking on budgetary burdens, while parenting students receive free, high-quality care for their children. Head Start programs, meanwhile, often receive free or reduced rent, allowing them to enhance their services.
"The simplicity and importance of the concept have made this possible," said Victoria Jones, NHSA Senior Director of Data. "Head Start programs and community colleges are remarkably similar in their activities and roles as pillars in their communities, providing students with high-quality education and comprehensive support."
