Having access to consistent, reliable, high-quality, and affordable childcare is a known contributor to student parent success. Having access to childcare allows students parents to miss less class time, utilize campus resources, study without interruptions, and more! Check out the campus and community childcare resources below.
The Triton Childcare Fund is funded through the US Department of Education's Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant. This grant was awarded to UMSL at the beginning of October 2018 and runs through September 2022. The Triton Childcare Fund provides student parents with financial assistance for childcare costs while they attend class and persist toward earning their degree.
Eligibility Requirements:
Submission of this application does not guarantee Triton Childcare fund eligibility or funding. Funds are limited each semester. Full time students will receive priority. Please see additional details regarding the application process and program below.
*if you did not complete a FAFSA, you will be required to submit your most recent Federal Tax Return Summary
In order to receive a childcare assistance* through the Triton Childcare Fund, it is required that you apply for the Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program. Illinois residents, please apply for the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program. After you submit this application you will need to submit a copy of your approval or denial. Please note: if you are denied by the state, you are still eligible to receive assistance through the Triton Childcare Fund.
The Triton Childcare Fund covers 20-80% of daily childcare costs for a determined number of days per week. Award amounts are based on the following:
Families with the greatest need will receive the highest percentage. The amount of days per week that a student will receive grant funds is based on the students’ course schedule, necessary study time, and working hours may also be considered. By submitting an application, students give permission for Triton Childcare Fund staff to access personal financial and academic information through UMSL’s Financial Aid and Registrar’s Office to determine eligibility. Changes in enrollment, credit hours, or financial status may reduce or forfeit funding.
Students are able to receive Triton Childcare Funds to use at contracted off-campus childcare centers (if space is available) or request to receive funds at another off-campus provider.
Off-Campus Childcare Providers
The Triton Childcare Fund can provide assistance with childcare costs at approved, off-campus childcare facilities. Off-campus providers must be requested and approved. In order to be approved, an off-campus provider must be licensed and willing to participate; it is also strongly preferred that they are accredited. If a center is not currently accredited, they must agree to seek accreditation within a 4-year period of agreeing to participate.
The goal of the Triton Childcare Fund is to assist with childcare expenses so that student parents may successfully progress through their academic programs and remain enrolled and continue toward earning their degree. Triton Childcare Fund objectives include: increasing accessibility to affordable and high-quality childcare; increasing retention and graduation rates of student parents; enhancing cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development of enrolled children of student parents; building and enhancing parenting skills; and increasing student parents’ use of support services on campus and in the community. Comprehensive support also includes parent-child social events, assistance navigating resources and access to discounted or free on-campus counseling sessions.
Funding is not guaranteed from one semester to the next. It is important that students understand their responsibilities and expectations as a Triton Childcare Fund recipient that are listed below:
For support finding child care for young or school-aged children, you can:
You and your family may qualify for other child care subsidies, vouchers, or free child care programs. Some options in our community include:
Contact Us
For more information about the Triton Childcare Fund, please contact UMSL case manager, Shannon Quinn at squinn@umsl.edu.