Childcare assistance program arriving at critical time for Dubuque community members
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
The availability and affordability of quality child care is a significant obstacle to full-time employment for many parents in the Dubuque area.
The new On-Site Child Care program, developed in partnership with Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County and the Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA, is an innovative approach to grow the region’s workforce and create additional child care options for students training for in-demand employment positions.
The On-Site Child Care program is housed at the Northeast Iowa Community College Town Clock Business Center and arrived just in time for two single parents, Jazmin Ramos and Brittany Blake.
Ramos enrolled in the Childhood Care – Career Pathway Certificate program at NICC and is working full-time at a daycare center. She loves what she does, but the work does not provide sufficient income to care for herself and daughter, Juliana. The Childhood Care certificate will help her advance professionally. While she is attending classes, her daughter is also supervised in the On-Site Child Care center.
“I’m hoping that the On-Site Child Care program allows me to work, become more comfortable with going to school and continuing in college. When I’m in my Childhood Care classes at the Town Clock Business Center, I know Juliana is right here in the same building. I don’t have to leave work, drop her off and find a babysitter. I can just come here straight here from work and I feel more comfortable,” Ramos explained.
The On-Site Child Care program is providing other students, such as Brittany Blake, with new, family-sustaining career opportunities and peace of mind. Blake is enrolled in the Phlebotomy Technician – Career Pathway Certificate program at NICC and her son, Mason, is cared for at the on-site center while she attends classes.
“I have my son Mason to care for, so this program is allowing me to go to college. The free daycare made it possible because I wasn’t able to receive Department of Human Services funding assistance. After I complete the Phlebotomy program, I want to work at a hospital. I’ll have more money to buy my own house for me, Mason and his dad,” said Blake.
Instructors teaching Career Pathway Certificate courses believe the On-Site Child Care initiative will make a dramatic difference in the number of skilled workers available in the region.
Kris Croatt, an NICC instructor for the Childhood Care program, sees great potential for the future. A 40-year veteran of early childhood education, Croatt also teaches as an adjunct professor in the Education department for Loras College.
“We definitely need to get the word out to the community about this program and promote it. The Childhood Care program develops our students’ knowledge of the rules, regulations and guidelines for developmentally-appropriate practices, child health, safety and nutrition,” Croatt explained.
The On-Site Child Care service is available to parents, at no cost, while they are in class and enrolled in career training programs that include Phlebotomy Technician, Industrial Sewing, Customer Service and the new Childhood Care program. Eligible full-time employed graduates of these certificate programs may qualify for additional childcare support for up to 12 months.
Northeast Iowa Community College created the Childhood Care program last March. The 118-hour certificate program prepares students for entry-level work as caregivers and/or transfer into the NICC Early Childhood Education diploma program, and provides students with the skills and training needed to care for young children. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is providing funding for qualifying students enrolled in the Childhood Care certificate program.