Penn College To Offer Discounted Child Care For Students

12-3-97
Williamsport, Pa. -- Pennsylvania College of Technology will assist its students with childcare expenses beginning this spring semester. The college will offer discounts at its Children's Learning Center for students who meet specific requirements.

According to Karen Woland Payne, director of the Children's Learning Center, the reduced fees will, in most cases, amount to 50 percent off the regular full-time fees with qualifying parents paying $45 per week instead of $90.

Payne says recent welfare reform at the federal and state levels has essentially eliminated child care subsidies for college students. Two years ago, half of the youngsters at the Learning Center received subsidized care. Today, fewer than 10 percent are subsidized.

"Here at Penn College, we did something wonderful," Payne commented. "The College decided that it was important to support these parents who are trying to better themselves by gaining a college education. We are empowering them to empower themselves."

Payne expects the College's reduced fee program to increase enrollment at the Learning Center, which currently serves 42 children, ranging from 2 1/2 years through kindergarten age. In addition to enrichment activities for preschoolers, the center offers a private kindergarten.

For more information, contact Karen Woland Payne at (717) 320-8026.

**cdm**

Contact: Cindy Davis Meixel (717) 326-3761 (office) cmeixel@pct.edu