Child Care Access Means Parents In Schools Reauthorization Act; CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act
Summary
The Child Care Access Means Parents In School Reauthorization Act (CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act) aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to support student parents in postsecondary education by providing child care services. It authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible institutions, with minimum grant amounts of $75,000 per year and maximums of $2,000,000 per year, for a period of 5 years. The bill outlines eligible institutions, use of funds, application requirements, and reporting requirements.
It prioritizes institutions that leverage local resources, utilize sliding fee scales, and provide additional support to single parents. The act also includes provisions for technical assistance and nondiscrimination.
Finally, it authorizes appropriations of $500,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to carry out the provisions of the act.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase access to child care services for student parents, potentially improving their academic success and completion rates. It could also lead to the establishment or enhancement of campus-based child care programs.
The increased funding and focus on quality could improve the standards of care provided. The reporting requirements will provide data to assess the program's effectiveness.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to affordable child care for student parents.
- Improved academic outcomes for student parents.
- Enhanced quality of campus-based child care programs.
- Support for single parents pursuing higher education.
- Potential for increased enrollment and completion rates in postsecondary education.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for administrative overhead in managing the grant program.
- Risk of funds not being used efficiently or effectively.
- Possible limitations in the number of students served due to funding constraints.
- The act does not address the root causes of poverty that may lead to students needing these services.
- Reliance on federal funding may create uncertainty for institutions if appropriations are not consistently maintained.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes education and supports families, which can be argued as contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The non-discrimination clause in subsection (h) reinforces the principles of equal protection, though the 14th amendment applies primarily to state action, the principle extends to federal programs.
However, the extent of federal involvement in education and child care is a recurring debate regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).