Thanks to CCAMPIS funding, the ELC offers childcare scholarships and essential family support, empowering eligible parents to balance their academic, work and personal responsibilities. Conveniently located on UD's main campus, the nationally accredited center provides research-based, play-focused care and education for children from infancy through second grade. Operating weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the ELC offers a full-day program that nurtures children’s development while supporting student parents with mentoring, coaching and a range of resources to help them thrive.

“Family partnerships are the very heart of our philosophy,” said Kelly Freel, who co-directs the ELC with Jessica Peace. “We partner with families in setting goals, sharing successes, completing child screenings and watching for any developmental milestones that may need more support. Our outstanding team of dedicated professionals understands that they are laying the foundation for all future educational experiences, and they know that the first step in this journey is building trust with parents and caregivers.”

Michelle Alequine, a former early childhood educator, serves as the ELC family services coordinator. She supports UD student parents participating in the CCAMPIS program and takes pride in cultivating strong relationships with families. 

“I am focused on assisting UD student-parents in successfully balancing parenting with pursuing their education,” said Alequine, who brings experience working with parents from her prior role as a classroom teacher. “I am dedicated to being a reliable childcare resource and guiding them through these challenges, ensuring that this part of their journey is both rewarding and fulfilling. I aspire to be an ally they can confidently turn to for support.”   

As a member of the ELC community, Madu appreciates the supportive environment and the quality of care and education that her child now receives. 

“The ELC staff are very friendly and welcoming,” Madu said. “Everyone is professional and the things they do are backed by research. I am confident that the ELC is the best early education center in Newark, and I never worry when I leave my child there because she's very well taken care of.”

Resources for UD student-parents

This is the first year that UD has been awarded CCAMPIS funding, but the award is part of ongoing efforts at UD to support student-parents. For example, Emily Davis, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Departments of English and Women and Gender Studies, has coordinated data gathering on UD student-parents and chaired a working group on supportive policies for families within the UD Graduate College Council. 

“Securing the CCAMPIS grant is a big win for our students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level,” said Davis, who served as a member of the grant writing team. “As we know, the combination of high costs and long wait lists for childcare nationally hits student-parents especially hard.”

The UD Graduate College website provides a list of available resources for both undergraduate and graduate UD student-parents, including information about CEHD’s Children’s Campus, which serves children from the ages of six months through eighth grade. It also features a frequently asked questions section covering a variety of parenting topics, such as pregnancy and nursing, healthcare, financial hardship and more. Additionally, UD’s Division of Student Life offers a range of services for all students, including access to clothing, food, housing, transportation and mental health support.

About the CCAMPIS program

The CCAMPIS grant program has supported the postsecondary education of eligible student-parents since 2011. The DOE prioritizes applicants, like UD, who propose evidence-based approaches to improving access to childcare and outcomes for underserved student parents in coordination with government agencies or community-based organizations. The ELC partners with New Directions Early Head Start, housed in CEHD’s Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, and DOE’s Office of Early Learning to provide comprehensive care and services for families who are from underserved communities.