Going To College When You Have A Baby: What You Should Know About Child Care
Posted on: 2 September 2015
Going to college is an exciting and transitional time in anyone's life. When you have a baby to take care of, the prospect of going to college can seem even more daunting, if not impossible. However, you should not let the fact that you have a baby stop you from going to college. In fact, creating a better life for yourself and your child is likely one of the reasons that you want to go to college in the first place. Get to know some of the facts that you should keep in mind about going to college when you have a baby and make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Contact the College or University About Daycare Services
One of the most important issues you will need to worry about when you are a parent and trying to become a student is what you are going to do with your baby while you are off at classes or studying and writing papers. More and more, universities and colleges have assistance available to mothers and fathers who are looking to go back to school.
Some colleges offer daycare services right on campus for students. These daycare services are often offered at a deeply discounted rate compared to standard childcare costs. And when you have a baby that may be breastfeeding or may need you to stop by and visit from time to time throughout the day, on-campus childcare is a convenient solution.
Oftentimes, if daycare services are not available right on campus, your college's student services office will still be able to guide you towards affordable childcare centers as well as help you to obtain any available scholarships or grants to help pay for your childcare so that you can be in school.
Consider Online Education
More and more classes and degrees are being made available online. This is a great option for parents who want to get their college degree but cannot afford full-time daycare services and who do not have the option through their school.
If you pursue a degree online, you can place your child in daycare half-time or part-time so that a few hours a day during the week you can focus all of your attention on your coursework and studies. You can also work at your own pace in many online programs so that you can better balance time with your baby and time for your studies. The online option allows for a great deal of flexibility.
Now that you know a few of the possibilities that can help you to balance being a college student and a good parent to your baby, you can get started in the process of pursuing your college education and getting your degree. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can build a better life for you and your child. If these options aren't available, you can also contact local day cares, like Montessori of Woodridge, for information.
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