University Reassessing On-Campus Child Care

For the past four years, Texas A&M International University has offered on-campus child care for qualified students, faculty and staff.

This Fall, that effort is being reassessed and the current Child Care Center will end operations next week on Thursday, August 11.

Dr. Ray Keck, University president, said TAMIU is exploring additional initiatives for similar or expanded services.

"Issues related to staffing and budgets require that we pursue other means of answering the need for daycare. One initiative under study is the possibility of working with an independent partner to provide the service. To that end, we've already had some promising discussions and are encouraged by the response. Another option is to recast the Center as a dual-language Laboratory School with a like-minded partner," Keck said.

TAMIU is working with current Center student-clients to make available scholarship assistance aimed at helping them defray the cost of childcare during student class time. Students demonstrating financial need can apply for awards up to $500.

"We realize that some student-parents may have already planned upon using the Childcare Center this Fall and we are committed to helping them to continue their studies while also making sure their children receive appropriate care. We would encourage them to visit with us to explore these scholarship opportunities," said Minita Ramirez, TAMIU associate vice president for student success.

Keck lauded the efforts of College of Education dean Dr. Humberto Gonzalez and Center director Dr. Miroslava Vargas in sustaining the Center initiative.

"They have guided this Center with great devotion and care and we look forward to working with them to identify other means of addressing these special needs," Keck concluded.

For additional information on scholarship assistance for Center student-parents, please contact Ramirez at the Office of Student Success at 326-2273

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu