Having access to consistent, reliable, high-quality, and affordable childcare is a known contributor to student parent success. Having access to childcare allows student parents to miss less class time, utilize campus resources, study without interruptions, and more! Check out the campus and community childcare resources below.
Triton Childcare Fund
The Triton Childcare Fund is available. This fund is supported by the Department of Education Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant.
The Triton Childcare Fund can provide childcare subsidies* to be used at approved, licensed, and accredited childcare centers for eligible students enrolled in UMSL courses, internship/practicum/clinicals, and campus employment. We are also taking applications for students with school-aged children that have late afternoon or evening classes and need afterschool care.
Eligible students must:
- Be receiving the Pell Grant**
- Be enrolled in the current semester at least half time
- Be degree seeking
- Be the parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of six weeks and twelve years old AND residing in the same home
- Have a current Cumulative GPA of 2.0 (Undergraduate Students; 3.0 for Graduate Students)
Funds are limited and will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
In addition to your application, you will need:
- An official course schedule
- A copy of your Student Aid Report
- A decision letter from Missouri or Illinois Childcare Assistance (denial does NOT preclude you from receiving support from this fund)
If you have any questions or need help finding an approved childcare center, please reach out to Cydni Spurlock, Program Coordinator, at cspurlock@umsl.edu or review our "Frequently Asked Questions" Page
*Subsidy is based on a sliding scale and paid directly to approved childcare providers.
Partnered Childcare Sites
If you are need of childcare, please review our list of approved, licensed, and accredited childcare centers below.
Community Child Care Resources
For support finding child care for young or school-aged children, you can:
- Use the Child Care Aware® of Missouri online Childcare Referral Database.
- Call 1 (866) 892-3228 to speak with a Child Care Aware® of Missouri Resource Specialist.
- Use the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Childhood Show Me Child Care Provider Search, a web-based listing of all licensed and license-exempt providers in Missouri.
- Use the Child Care Aware® of Missouri Questions to Ask Child Care Programs and Things to Consider and Choosing Child Care Checklist and Next Steps to help in your process of choosing the right care provider for your child.
- Contact UMSL Student Advocacy and Care! Their team is comprised of skilled case managers and practicum students who can help you identify your needs and navigate resources!
You and your family may qualify for other child care subsidies, vouchers, or free child care programs. Some options in our community include:
- State of Missouri Childcare Subsidy Program: You may be eligible to receive child care assistance through the State of Missouri Childcare Subsidy Program. Learn more about the program, who qualifies, and how to apply.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free learning and development services to eligible low-income families with children ages birth to 5. Early Head Start and Head Start welcome children with disabilities. Some Early Head Start programs also provide prenatal services for pregnant women. Review the steps to apply for a Head Start program and use the Head Start Locator to find a Head Start program near your home. If you need more help to find a Head Start program near your home, call the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (toll-free) at 1-866-763-6481 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET or visit their Contact Us web page.
- Childcare Assistance for Military families: Child Care Aware ® of America provides information, resources and supports for military families and their children. More than 10,000 military children are served each year.