The Child Care Tuition Assistance Program presented its budget to the the Associated Students of Madison Student Services Finance Committee at a meeting Thursday.
According to their website, CCTAP strives to give monetary assistance in the form of grants to University of Wisconsin-Madison student-parents for child care expenses. When an unexpected situation arises, student-parents in the program have the option to use the “sick and backup program,” where CCTAP will provide childcare.
“The support you give will make that care more affordable,” Director of CCTAP Lynn Edlefson said to SSFC representatives.
According to Edlefson, CCTAP supports degree completion with an overall 90 percent graduation rate. Edlefson also said CCTAP is considered to be a program that helps recruit student-parents to UW-Madison, since it creates a convenience for those students.
“This is something that propels people through,” Edlefson said.
CCTAP asked for $1,075,100, which is a $29,000 increase from fiscal year 2013-’14. The group asked for an increase in the “sick and backup” line, childcare grants line and salaries and fringe line. It also asked to implement a one-time technology line for $25,000.
Jess Clayton, a PhD candidate, member of the CCTAP Advisory Board and a participant in the CCTAP program, spoke during open forum to discuss the benefits of the program.
“The program has offered excellent assistance to grad students in particular, such as myself, who are trying to complete their graduate work … with children,” Clayton said. “I am a single mom … CCTAP funding has been really key to helping me finance childcare while I’m in school.”
SSFC will decide on CCTAP’s final budget at its meeting Monday.
