Oregon Student Child Care Grant

Applications are now being accepted for the Oregon Student Child Care Grant for the 2009-10 academic year. The application due date is May 31, 2009. Applications received after May 31, 2009 will only be used to gather information about the number of student parents and their children in need of the program.

Applicants must complete a separate, additional application available on OSAC's secure website. Do not apply for this program on the OSAC Scholarship Application.

On February 5, 2009, prior year (2008-09) awardees were sent by U.S. Mail a packet which contains instructions and a Renewal form which must be returned to be considered for renewal. Prior year awardees must also update their application using their e-Student Profile (refresh from 2008-09 data, update 2009-10 data, and submit the 2009-10 application). After spring term/semester grades are posted, copies of transcripts and proof of child care expenses will be required to be considered for final awarding. Reminders to send transcripts and expense documentation will be sent by e-mail at the end of May.

Due to limited funds, (OSAC) does not expect to award new recipients for the 2009-10 academic year. However, if OSAC receives additional funding for the program and new applicants are able to be considered for an award, copies of transcripts and proof of child care expenses will be required. Requests for transcripts and expense documentation will be sent by e-mail at the end of May to those new applicants being considered for awards.

Preferences in awarding:

• Preference #1: Prior year recipients who complete a renewal letter, update their application, and submit copies of transcripts and proof of child care expenses
• Preference #2: New applicants who demonstrate financial need and who are closest to completing to their academic goals

Purpose:

The Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program was established to assist parents enrolled in post-secondary education obtain safe, dependable care that supports their children’s development while allowing completion of the parent’s academic programs.

Eligibility:

To receive financial aid from this program an applicant must:

• Be an Oregon resident with a child or legal dependent age 12 and under in need of child care, or, if over age 12, who satisfies the requirements of special needs;
• Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States;
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate at an Oregon postsecondary institution;
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress; and
• Not be in default on any federal Title IV loan or owing a refund on federal Title IV funds previously disbursed.

Priority in Awarding:

Among applicants who meet the eligibility criteria of this program, priority in the selection process shall be given in the following rank order:

1. A prior recipient of benefits of the Student Child Care Grant previously administered by the Oregon Department of Human services or subsequently by the Commission, with continuing financial need.
2. A student with continuing financial need, who was verified as having been on the waiting list kept by the Oregon Department of Human Services during its administration of the Student Child Care Grant.
3. Financial need.
4. Students’ credits earned toward a Certificate, Associates Degree, or first Bachelor’s Degree.
5. Use of childcare providers who are listed with the Oregon Department of Human Services, or, registered or certified with the Oregon Child Care Division.
6. Students enrolled full-time.
7. Students enrolled half-time.

Application Process:

Disbursement:

Grant payments for student child care for eligible recipients will be disbursed on a term/semester basis provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and continues to have a child who qualifies under the rules of the program. Disbursement is made directly to the post-secondary institution, not to the recipient or their childcare provider.  It is the student’s responsibility to pay their child care provider.

Maximum Term of Award:

• Students in an academic program must be enrolled at least half-time and are required to complete at least 36-quarter hours for credit, or the equivalent in semester hours, on a yearly basis.
• Participation in the award is limited to a total of six years.

Renewal of Award:

Awards made under this program are renewable provided that:

• The awardee continues to be enrolled as at least a half-time student in an approved program at an eligible institution;
• The awardee is making satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the institution;
• The awardee arranges for the Commission to receive a transcript of the academic work completed in the prior year of award; and
• Each awardee’s child used to determine eligibility must continue to qualify under the rules of the program.

For more information, contact:

Administrative Rule:

You may refer to the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) for the Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program, number 575-095, at the following link:  http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_500/OAR_575/575_tofc.html

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