Student Parent Programs:
We would love to see you and your children in Ram Kidz Village this semester! Now student parents can finally have the worry-free study time they need while their children are engaged in supervised educational activities in a safe, positive learning environment. Ram Kidz Village is a drop-in educational program available to all currently enrolled, Colorado State University student parents. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Morgan Library.
Services are provided for children aged 12 months - 11 years old and attendance is on a first-come, first serve bases
Hours are: Monday – Thursday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program requires pre-registration and a $15 per semester registration fee (cash only please). Forms may be downloaded by clicking the link below. Please bring completed forms on your first visit to Ram Kidz Village.
Free Football Tickets for Children of CSU Students
ALVS partners with the Athletic Department to offer FREE tickets for football games. These tickets are only for the children of full-time, fee-paying CSU students. If you would like to request tickets, please fill out the Ticket Request Form and either email it to us at: alvs_staff.colostate.edu or drop it off at our office located in room 195 of the Lory Student Center. For more information, contact alvs_staff@mail.colostate.edu.
International Children’s Carnival
The International Children’s Carnival is an annual, multi-cultural event for children and their families. Children enjoy and participate in games, crafts, and activities, from different cultures around the world. This event takes place each spring. This event is free for students and their families. Admission for non-students is a suggested donation of $5/family. Proceeds go toward the Dream what you love scholarship for single parent students. For more information, contact alvs_staff@mail.colostate.edu.
Holiday Book Drive
CSU Faculty and staff donate new and gently used books for children of CSU Students. Students are able to receive up to 3 books per child free. The Holiday Book Drive is held each December.
Student Parent Success
We want all students at Colorado State to succeed! We understand that student parents have unique challenges that set them apart from other students. Stop by to talk to our staff and learn about the programs and services available to ease your struggles. For more information call (970) 491-3977 or send an email to alvs_staff@mail.colostate.edu.
Dream What You Love Scholarship
A $500 scholarship awarded annually to provide financial assistance to a student who meets the following criteria:
· Undergraduate, full-time student enrolled in 12 or more credits;
· Minimum CSU accumulative GPA of 2.0;
· Preference will be given to single parents with sole custody;
· Have an identified educational goal;
· Past recipients not eligible
For more information call (970) 491-3977 or send an email to alvs_staff@mail.colostate.edu.
Childcare Assistance Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Grant
The CCampis grant provides childcare assistance for children of students who are enrolled in the Early Childhood Center and the Sunshine House at CSU. Spaces are limited at both centers, so we encourage you to put your child on the waiting list as soon as possible. For more information, please contact the ECC at 970-491-7082.
WomenGive Childcare Scholarships
WomenGive is a local organization that raises money through community donations for childcare scholarships for single parents who are enrolled in an education program. Individuals must meet the following criteria:
• Enrolled in an education or training program to further their potential;
• Single parent living alone with their children;
• Do not already have child care assistance that covers the cost of their child care;
• Preference given to parents for whom child care assistance would make the difference for them to remain in school;
• 2.0 GPA history, and the potential to maintain that GPA;
• Primary consideration will be for those students registered for 9+ credit hours;
• Child(ren) currently enrolled in a licensed child care facility (or willing to enroll their child.
On Campus Childcare:
The Sunshine House at Colorado State University
501 West Lake Street
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
(970) 491-2862
*waiting list
Early Childhood Center
Human Development and Family Studies
142 Gifford Building, 80523
CSU Map link
(970) 491-7082
*waiting list
Fort Collins Referral Services:
Early Childhood Council of Larimer County
Provides FREE child care referrals for families looking for licensed child care providers in Larimer County. Maintains a database of 400+ licensed child care programs. Includes family child care homes, child care centers, preschool program, and school age programs.
1730 S. College Ave., Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 377-3388
www.ecclc.org
Resources:
The Mother's Center
1200 S. Taft Hill Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 482-2253
www.motherscenterfc.org
Emergency/Sick Childcare Assistance
424 N. Pine. St., #201
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 484-1902 or
(970) 663-2288
United Way Day Care
A community childcare service provider with sliding scale fees. http://teaching-tree.org/
Project Self-Sufficiency
Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S) supports low-income, single parent families in their efforts to become economically independent. They offer assistance with childcare, scholarships, car repair and other needed services for participants. In order to be eligible for PS-S, families must reside in Larimer County be headed by a single parent, have at least one child age 13 or under living with her/him half time, and be low-income according to poverty guidelines. Interested candidates are required to submit a program application, attend an orientation and participate in an interview to determine if they are a fit for the program. For more information contact Cheryl McDonald at 970-635-5902 or CHERYL@PS-S.ORG.
Boys and Girls Club
Membership is open to all youth ages 6-18 years of age for a $5 yearly membership fee. Easy access and transportation to the facility at 1608 Lancer Drive Fort Collins, CO 80521. The Boys & Girls Club offers many opportunities for fun activities, getting help with school work, and meeting new people.
North Aztlan Community Center/YAC
The centers are combining in their new building at 112 East Willow, Fort Collins, CO 80521 to offer services for children 12-19 that will include after school tutoring, a computer lab, kids café (snacks offered 4:15-5:30 at no extra charge), craft, cooking and sewing classes as well as many other fun activities. The fee for services is $5 per month. For more information contact Frank Martinez or Deborah Bueno at 970-221-6655.
B.A.S.E. Camp
B.A.S.E. Camp offers before and after school care at the majority of the local elementary schools. Cost is based on a sliding fee scale. For more information or to register please contact Juanita Lozano at our main office 970-266-1734.
Tips for Finding Childcare:
Do you need someone to care for your child while you're working or going to school? Here are some things to consider as you begin your search for child care. I'll also give you some ideas about where to begin looking for child care. The first thing you need to do is determine what your needs are when it comes to child care. Ask yourself:
What hours am I looking for?
· Where do I want my child care located?
· What type of setting am I thinking of - a family child care home or a child care center?
· What age is my child?
· If you have more than one child who needs care, are you looking for someplace that can take both children?
· Does my child have any special needs such as a medical condition or a learning problem that might take more skill or equipment?
· What are my feelings about parenting and what will I look for in someone who will share in the care of my children?
· How much can I afford to pay?
Source: http://www.extension.umn.edu/info-u/families/BE920.html
Childcare Options
Many parents in the United States choose to hire help to take care of their children. Some use childcare so they can work a full or part time job. Others use childcare to attend classes or run errands. In Fort Collins there are several childcare options:
Hourly Babysitter
The most common form of help is to hire an hourly babysitter. Usually a babysitter comes to your home for just a few hours a week and is paid from $4 - $8 per hour. If the babysitter is there during mealtime, the family usually provides food for the babysitter or at least a snack. Some people choose to use young adults aged 12-14 for babysitting. They are usually paid less $4-5, but cannot provide their own transportation. Others choose to use high school students or seniors. To find a babysitter ask other people in your neighborhood for referrals, ask at your local church, or contact other parents that live near you. If money is an issue, consider sharing childcare duties with another couple.
Childcare Centers
Childcare centers are listed in the yellow pages of the Fort Collins phone book under Child Care. Both full-time (8 am-5 pm) and part-time care is available at most centers. Parents drop children off at a day care center and pick them up at the end of the day. Lunch and snacks are usually provided. A typical center will have several levels of care (infants, toddlers, pre-school, after school) with around 10 children in each level. Prices range from $25-$40 per day).
Licensed Home Day Care
If you prefer that your child is with fewer children, a home day care situation might be a good choice. Home day care is usually provided by a woman in her own home for 1-12 children at a time. Most home day care providers are licensed and have received training on emergency care, nutrition, and state regulations. Prices for home day care ranges from $20 - $30 per day. To find home day care, look in the classified ads of the Coloradoan newspaper or call the Early Childhood Council’s resource and referral program to receive a free child care referral. Their phone number is (970) 377-3388, option 4 or (877) 338-2273.
Hiring a nanny or in-home daycare provider
This is the most expensive option. A nanny or in-home provider will come to your home and watch your children while you are away. Nannies often live in the home and eat meals with the family. In-home providers usually live elsewhere and work from 8-5.
Going Back to School: Six Tips to Make Going Back Easier
1. Deal with your feelings.
Talk openly with your partner or a friend about your fears, joys, frustrations, or anxieties. Get as much rest as possible. Re-evaluate your priorities. Identify what needs to be done right away and what can be passed to someone else or dropped.
If possible, start as early as you can and visit different types of settings to find what is best for your family. Bring a checklist on each visit; ask about waiting lists and deposits. Child care centers typically have waiting lists. Family home providers may have only a month or two advance notice when they have openings.
2. Do a trial run.
If possible, begin child care several weeks before you go back to work. Start with a couple of hours. Then slowly increase the time to allow both you and your child to adjust.
3. Breast feed or formula?
If you have been nursing until now, you have many options. You can breast feed exclusively, expressing milk at work. You can formula feed exclusively, weaning your baby before returning to work. Or you can use formula during the day, and nurse in the evenings and mornings.
For further information, please contact:
La Leche League - Provides support and information on breast feeding. Phone number: 1-800-LaLeche
www.lalecheleague.org/ab.html
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies - has lots of helpful information about breastfeeding and going back to work. www.hmhbwa.org/forfamilies/breastfeeding/working.htm
"Breastfeeding's Worth It" information: www.hmhbwa.org/forprof/materials/BCW_packet.htm
4. Organize.
Pack everything you need the night before. If possible, have one bag that only goes to child care. Buy duplicates of essential items so you keep one in your child’s bag and one at home. Choose a spot where you always place items that go to child care. This is especially helpful if you share drop off and pick up responsibilities. Buy a daily calendar planner so both you and the provider can write down what your child eats and when, nap times, bowel movements, accomplishments, and other information.
5. Most important, keep your sense of humor!
6. Tomorrow will always bring something new.
Source: www.childcare.org
Stress Management at CSU: Click here: health.colostate.edu/RELAX and health.colostate.edu/MIAB