Pilot program will help students care for sick kids at low cost

The program has been part of a benefits program for university employees in the past, but is now being implemented for student use.

"This has been a recurring need for students and staff. It (the program) has worked for employees and we saw it as a need for students," said Mimi Gray, coordinator of the office of Childcare Initiatives.

Gray said the office will be working in conjunction with the Tucson Association for Childcare. When a child is ill, a child care provider from the association will be sent to the student's home to care for the child while the student is out of the home.

Siblings who are not ill will not be permitted to stay home with the child care provider.

The cost to students for this program is $1 per hour. The balance of the cost, $11 per hour plus transportation costs, is covered by the UA Childcare Initiative.

Services are based on a first come, first served system, according to an information packet distributed by the office.

Student parents are eligible for the services of the program up to three times per semester during the pilot program.

In order to be eligible for the service, students must register with the office, provide a copy of their schedules and present proof of student status.

"Any student is eligible for the program with a child under the age of 13. For those students with a child over the age of 13 with special needs, special arrangements can be made," Gray said.

Students have responded positively to the program. Anthropology junior Carolynn Sizer, president of the student-parent club Cats and Cubs, is a strong supporter of the new program.

"I think that it is great because a lot of times when your child is sick, you can't take them to childcare," Sizer said.

Sizer believes that single parents will benefit greatly from the program.

Gray said the office has allocated $2,500 from its budget to begin the program this semester. The new program will run as long as there are funds to do so.

"If the program is successful, we would like to continue it in future semesters," Gray said.

Gray also said the office is investigating measures to increase funding for similar programs. She suggested that student become involved to create more funds for this program.

"This money is coming out of our budget. Student affairs has been generous in what they give us, but students need to chip in at some point," Gray said.

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