WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) introduced the Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers (PROSPECT) Act to expand access to high-quality early childhood care at community colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). This legislation takes a multi-pronged approach to tackling the childcare challenge. The bill provides free, high-quality infant and toddler care for student parents at participating colleges while also investing in the childcare workforce to ensure we have well-prepared educators. Additionally, the PROSPECT Act expands access to childcare subsidies and ensures students have clear information about financial aid options for childcare expenses. Congresswoman Hayes is joined in this effort by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the U.S. Senate.
Student parents face significant hurdles in pursuing higher education, and the lack of accessible childcare is a major contributor to their struggle. This challenge disproportionately affects students of color, particularly Black, Native American, and Latina women, who make up a significant portion of student parents. The declining availability of on-campus childcare exacerbates these difficulties, especially at community colleges. The consequences are stark: student parents often face financial hardship, higher student loan debt, and a greater likelihood of leaving college without a degree.
“As a former student parent juggling coursework, multiple jobs, and the demands of raising a child, I know firsthand the struggles many working parents face today,” said Congresswoman Hayes. The PROSPECT Act addresses this reality by making infant and toddler childcare more affordable and accessible on college campuses. This not only removes barriers to higher education but also invests in the well-being of families and the future of our workforce. By funding high-quality childcare programs and supporting early childhood educators, this bill empowers student parents to achieve their educational goals, secure better opportunities, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
“As someone who worked in construction as a single dad, I know access to childcare is critical to expanding opportunities, growing the middle class, and strengthening our economy,” said Congressman Norcross. “Childcare affordability for students who have children is good for the parent, their family, and our community. I’m honored to join Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Booker in introducing the PROSPECT Act to give working families a fair shot.”
“Parents across our country who are attending college or dream of enrolling often struggle to find affordable, consistent child care while trying to pursue their education,” said Senator Booker. “The PROSPECT Act is critical legislation that invests in child care preparation programs at community colleges and MSIs while also expanding child care at college campuses so students and their kids have the resources they need to succeed.”
"Generation Hope proudly supports the PROSPECT Act, a critical step toward ensuring student parents have access to the affordable, high-quality child care they need to succeed in higher education. By investing in both early childhood educators and the families they serve, this bill strengthens our communities and creates a brighter future for generations to come," said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder & CEO, Generation Hope.
Federally funded early childhood education programs have a proven record of boosting educational outcomes and fighting intergenerational poverty.
The PROSPECT Act would:
- Expanding access to affordable childcare: The bill provides grants to community colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) to establish or expand childcare programs, increasing the availability of care in underserved communities.
- Making childcare free for student parents: The bill specifically targets student parents at community colleges and MSIs by providing grants to make child carefree for this population, removing a significant barrier to educational attainment.
- Strengthening the childcare workforce: The bill includes provisions to support training, mentorship, and professional development programs, helping to build a stronger and more qualified childcare workforce.
Read the full bill text here.
The PROSPECT Act is endorsed by Generation Hope, Public Advocacy for Kids, UnidosUS, ZERO TO THREE, First Five Years Fund, Early Edge California, First Focus Campaign for Children, Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, American Federation of Teachers, and Institute for Child Success.
###