24 Sep Contra Costa College to Offer Free Childcare & Pre-K Education

(Contra Costa College via Bay City News)

By Michael J. Fitzgerald

Contra Costa College has secured $2.8 million in grant funding to expand a variety of the services in its Early Learning Center, including free pre-K education and childcare to low-income members who qualify for Head Start and Early Head Start.

The expansion will allow children from families earning up to 135% of the federal poverty level to qualify for free enrollment at the college’s Early Learning Center. The funding will also provide additional parent support for programs like health screenings.

Additional families might qualify for reduced or low-cost Early Learning Center services, as well. The program is not restricted to CCC students. Residents of surrounding communities are eligible.

The $2.8 million comes via a grant from the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, which serves families of all races, backgrounds and ethnicities. The college will receive $752,000 in start-up funding first to update its Early Learning Center classrooms and playground and purchase supplies. The college will later receive $413,000 per year over the next five years bringing the total to $2.8 million. That money will allow the center to operate at full licensing capacity, expand operating hours and provide additional services to children.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation for this funding, which will allow us to expand and enhance vital educational programs,” said Kimberly Rogers, president of Contra Costa College. “These investments in early childhood education are critical in helping our students achieve their full potential and succeed in their academic and career pursuits.”

For more information about Contra Costa College’s programs and funding initiatives, visit www.contracosta.edu.