At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) is dedicated to supporting parenting students as they navigate the challenges of higher education while raising a family. One of the key programs under OCCFR is Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), a federal grant which provides essential child care funding and resources to low-income student parents. This funding reduces the financial burden of child care and allows parents to focus on their academic goals.
As the largest percentage of CCAMPIS students have infants, OCCFR has taken steps to meet the unique needs of our youngest Badgers. Each year we put together baby baskets for our centers, which include a range of essential items for baby care such as diapers and wipes. The baskets also contain formula and bottles to ensure infants receive proper nutrition while in care. To keep the little ones comfortable after spills or accidents, comfy spare clothing is provided, as well as seasonal gear to keep babies warm during Wisconsin’s cold months. Additionally, crib essentials like sheets and swaddles are included in the baskets to create a safe and cozy sleeping environment.
These baby baskets are provided to five nationally accredited, CCAMPIS-eligible child care centers attended by CCAMPIS students’ children, including UW-Madison’s three campus centers – Eagle’s Wing Child Care, UW Child Development Lab, Waisman Early Childhood Program – as well as Little Chicks Learning Academy and Bernie’s Place.
By supplying these essentials, OCCFR ensures that infants can actively participate in daily indoor and outdoor activities at their child care centers which is crucial for early growth and development. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors in a warm snowsuit or enjoying mealtime with the proper feeding materials, having the right supplies makes a significant difference.
We are proud to play a role in supporting parenting students and their children at UW-Madison. By addressing the needs of our youngest community members, we’re fostering an environment where parents and children can thrive. For more information about the resources available or to learn how you can get involved, please visit our About Page.
