Northeastern State University grant expands access to affordable childcare at Little Rowdy Childcare Center

Five-year federal grant will help student-parents balance family responsibilities and stay on track toward a degree

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) has received a five-year Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant through the U.S. Department of Education to make childcare more affordable for eligible student-parents and expand services at the Little Rowdy Childcare Center.

For student-parents, access to reliable, affordable childcare can make a difference in their ability to attend classes, remain enrolled and complete a degree. Over the grant period, the funding will help reduce childcare costs through a sliding fee scale for low-income parents and expand outreach to connect eligible student-parents with available assistance.

The funding will also support initiatives to help student-parents persist towards graduation while balancing their academic and family responsibilities.

Located on NSU’s Broken Arrow campus, the center operates year-round with flexible scheduling, providing student-parents with a convenient location for childcare as they attend classes.

“For many parents, earning a degree means balancing their education with the responsibility of caring for their families,” said NSU President Rodney Hanley. “Affordable, reliable childcare can help ease that burden and give student-parents a greater opportunity to continue their education. We want students to know that becoming a parent does not mean they have to put their educational goals aside.”

The CCAMPIS grant reinforces NSU’s commitment to student success beyond the classroom by lowering childcare costs and removing a significant barrier for student-parents pursuing postsecondary education.

Dr. Eloy Chavez, dean of the NSU College of Extended Learning, said he is most excited about the lasting impact it will have on NSU students and their families.

“As Dean, I see this grant as more than financial support,” said Chavez. “It represents an investment in student success, family stability and the future of our community. Knowing that the Little Rowdy Childcare Center plays a direct role in helping more students remain enrolled is what makes this opportunity truly exciting.”

Community partners supporting the grant include NSU HawkReach, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Cherokee Nation, tribal assistance programs and university departments. These partnerships help connect student-parents with affordable childcare and additional resources that can support their educational goals.

Through expanded outreach and collaboration with community partners, NSU aims to help more eligible student-parents access childcare assistance and resources as they work toward their educational goals.=

The NSU College of Extended Learning (CEL) oversees the Little Rowdy Childcare Center, which is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and follows specific staff-to-child ratios and is licensed by the DHS.

Enrollment is open for children of NSU students, faculty or staff. Affordable enrollment options are open to the public.

For more information about the Little Rowdy Childcare Center, visit https://coe.nsuok.edu/little-rowdy.aspx.

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