Higher Education and Parenting
Parent students are an important part of the CVCC community. Across Virginia, parent students face multiple obstacles that can hinder their educational journey. From managing childcare and financial stress to navigating complex schedules, the path to a degree is often more demanding for those who juggle both school and parenthood. The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE)'s College Attainment for Parent Students (CAPS) program is an initiative designed to help parent students in Virginia’s community colleges overcome barriers to education and reach their academic goals. CVCC is one of five Virginia Community Colleges participating in the CAPS program.
CAPS Program Impact
CAPS is a lifeline for many parent students, offering financial assistance, mentorship, and access to critical resources that make pursuing a degree more attainable. Recognizing that parent students often have different needs than traditional students, the CAPS program tailors its support to ensure they have the tools and guidance necessary to succeed. Through these efforts, CAPS is not just helping parent students achieve their educational dreams—it's breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a legacy of opportunity for future generations.
- What is CAPS?
- CAPS is a grant-funded program created to help support single parents pursuing their two-year degree or certificate. The student will receive a stipend every semester to help eliminate barriers like childcare costs. If there are no childcare needs, the student is free to save their stipend for an emergency or use it toward any personal bills.
- CAPS is a grant-funded program created to help support single parents pursuing their two-year degree or certificate. The student will receive a stipend every semester to help eliminate barriers like childcare costs. If there are no childcare needs, the student is free to save their stipend for an emergency or use it toward any personal bills.
- Who qualifies?
- Any male or female student
- Enrolled in at least 6 credits at CVCC
- Eligible for the Pell Grant
- Has one or more children under the age of 18
- Is a single* parent
- *The student is the only adult in the household and the only adult available to provide income and care for the children
- *The student is the only adult in the household and the only adult available to provide income and care for the children
- What does CAPS offer?
- The CAPS program offers encouragement, accountability, free fun events for the student and their children, a stipend every semester, and an emergency fund for CAPS participants only.
- As part of the CAPS program, students will work directly with a Parenting Coach (Keshia Jefferson), who will be in regular contact as long as the student is in the program.
- Are there any requirements?
- Yes. Participating students must be responsive to regular check-ins with the Parenting Coach. CAPS participants must attend at least one CAPS event per semester.
Interested in participating? Speak with your College Navigator or Counselor for a referral to the CAPS Program.
FAMILY STUDY ROOM: Located in the Library on the first floor of the Bedford Learning Commons 3104. This room was created for student parents who need a space to study and complete work with their child(ren). This room only holds 1 student and 1-2 children at a time. Please note that children must always be supervised when on campus and when using the Family Study Room. The family room is first come, first served.
This room includes but is not limited to:
- a city/car activity rug, (cars coming soon)
- matching dinos
- counting cows
- mindful mazes
- matching muffins
- sorting pie
- various puzzles
- building brick wall and bricks
- Magic Hands (heat activated drawing board)
- Fisher Price kitchen/garden play set
In addition, there are 2 Launchpad tablets with age-appropriate and educational material. The tablets need to be checked out at the front desk and are for in-library use only.
LACTATION ROOM: Located right outside of the counseling suite, this space is available in Amherst Hall 2130. This room is open to both staff and students and is available daily from 8 am - 5 pm. If locked during those times, please ask the front desk staff in the counseling suite to assist you. If this space is needed any time before 8 am or after 5 pm, please contact the Campus Police Department for assistance (Amherst Hall 2605, Phone: (434) 832-7700).
The lactation room is equipped with lockers, a mini freezer/refrigerator (for breast milk storage only), chairs, and early childhood development literature.
PARKING: Please note that if you are pregnant and having difficulty walking from the student parking lot to your classes, please visit the Campus Police Department to discuss a parking pass (Amherst Hall 2605, Phone: (434) 832-7700). Documentation may be required.
NATIONAL PARENT STUDENT AWARENESS MONTH: September is a month to celebrate and uplift parent students in higher education and show our appreciation for all your hard work and dedication. You deserve to be celebrated! We will have refreshments, prizes, raffles, and more. Join us every Tuesday in September from 11 am - 2 pm in the Student Center.
Wakeshia Jefferson, Parenting Coach
Phone: 434-832-7829
Email: jeffersonwl@centralvirginia.edu