Assistance with Child Care Expenses
If you are a UMass student (undergraduate or graduate) caring for a dependent child and need help paying for childcare (including daycare, before/after school, school vacation care, summer care, and informal childcare) you should consider applying for a childcare subsidy.
Graduate student employees may also apply to the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) for childcare subsidies. See here for more information about benefits for GEO eligible graduate student employee benefits.
Student Parent Programs Childcare Subsidies
Student Parent Programs (SPP) offers childcare subsidies to income-eligible undergraduate and graduate students with a dependent child. Submit your application by 10/4/24 to be considered for Fall 2024 funding. Applications received after 10/4/24 will be considered for Spring 2025 funding.
To qualify for Student Parent Programs administered childcare subsidies, student parents must be actively enrolled at UMass Amherst as an undergraduate or graduate student on a part-time or full-time basis and must meet the income eligibility criteria for program participants — similar to Pell grant income qualifications, determined through Financial Aid Services or via tax returns and other income verification documentation.
To Apply:
Complete a general application in Academic Works here. (If you have already filled out a general application for the 2024–2025 year you can skip this step).
Then complete our Student Parent Programs Child Care Subsidy Application.
NOTE: Graduate Student Government childcare subsidies are distributed to graduate student applicants through Student Parent Programs. Graduate students must complete a Student Parent Programs childcare subsidy application (link above) to be eligible for GSG childcare funding. This funding IS NOT the same as GEO childcare subsidies — see below for links to childcare benefits for GEO members.
Eligible Childcare Expenses for Student Parent Programs Childcare Subsidies:
- State-licensed and accredited (or equivalent) infant, toddler, or preschool care in center-based and home-based settings
- Before and after school care
- Licensed summer programs and school vacation care
- Organizational/center based extracurricular activities (during school breaks and summer vacation)
- Family, friends, and neighbor informal care or babysitting when needed by the family due to health concerns, temporary loss of licensed childcare, daycare closures, school vacations/breaks, or when work or academic schedules do nor align with licensed childcare options (i.e. night classes and labs, etc). (Informal care is not eligible for CCAMPIS funding.)
NOTE: Subsidies for babysitting and FFN care are for temporary or emergency coverage. The majority of SPP funding for childcare subsidies is restricted to care provided by licensed and accredited providers as per federal funding restrictions.
CCAMPIS at UMass:
CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) is a Department of Education funded program that can pay up to 75% of participants' childcare expenses directly to the student's eligible childcare provider. Eligible CCAMPIS childcare providers include MA licensed and accredited providers. CCAMPIS offers participants access to other support and resources to help students stay focused on their educational goals. Applying for CCAMPIS is easy and follows the same application process as our other childcare subsidies. See above for application details.
Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) Health and Welfare Trust Fund
The Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) childcare subsidy program provides subsidies for school-age dependent care to income eligible UMass graduate student employees working in a GEO-eligible position. The GEO Health and Welfare Trust childcare subsidy is administered by the UAW/UMass Health and Welfare Trust Fund. For the most up to date information and to answer any questions please contact @email.
Information About Non-University Based Sources of Funding for Childcare
MA Income Eligible Child Care Voucher
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) provides childcare financial assistance for families in need. In order to be eligible for funding, you and your family must meet certain requirements. You may be placed on waiting list if funding is not immediately available.
If you are interested in applying for financial assistance, call Mass 211 or contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. If funding is available, you will receive a notice in the mail that asks you to schedule an appointment with your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. At this appointment you will complete an application and provide documents that verify your eligibility for childcare financial assistance.
Group Child Care Centers and Out of School Time Programs
Many group childcare centers and out of school time programs receive Department of Early Education and Care funding to help parents with the cost of childcare for eligible families. Some may also have independent scholarships, United Way funding or discounts for Military Families. As you call the programs to ask if they have an opening for your child, also ask if they have scholarships, financial aid, or other funding to help pay for the care.
Head Start Programs (click here for more information about MA Head Start)
Head start is a federally funded program with full and/or part time hours that serve preschool-age children and their families. Many Head Start programs also provide Early Head Start, which serves infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments.
Graduate Student Senate Funded Family Grant (administered by SPP)
UMass graduate student parents may request funds for a Family Grant for non-childcare related unexpected expenses that would negatively impact academic progress. Student Parent Programs manages the approval and disbursement of GSS funded Family Grants, which if awarded, will be provided in the form of a scholarship and distributed via student bursar accounts. these funds are restricted to graduate students only. See here for more information and to apply. Undergraduate students may apply for Dean of Students Micro Grant funding — see links below.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office connects UMass students to the support, resources, and referrals they need to be successful, acts as a single point of contact for families in crisis, and advocates on behalf of students. Visit the Dean of Students Office Basic Needs page for assistance with housing, food insecurity, finances, legal questions, employment, and more. They also offer a Short Term Loan Program and a Micro Grant Fund intended to assist students in unexpected, emergency situations. Their friendly staff are available to help answer questions at 413-545-2684.
Student Care Supply Closets
The Dean of Students Office manages the Student Care Supply Closets which provide free toiletries and household items to students who are facing economic insecurity and/or an unexpected financial emergency.