Parenting Resources
Adult students often must find a delicate balance between academic and family obligations. The university does not provide childcare at this time, but there are other campus and community resources to support parenting students. Click here for a printed copy of the resources listed below.
Family Friendly Spaces
The ANSWER Scholarship Family-Friendly Library Rooms are designated as a safe space for adult students and their children (0-12) to thrive educationally. The rooms feature an early literacy learning station, two computers, printer, DVD player, and an assortment of children’s toys. Students who have children and are interested in reserving this space for studying must register in advance. Once registered, reservations for this room can be made on the Atkins Library website. The room is secured with swipe access to those registered during their reserved time.
Childcare
Families seeking quality childcare can benefit from information provided by agencies and organizations focused on monitoring and improving child care in our community. Several such organizations exist locally and at the state level.
At the state level, the North Carolina Division of Child Development (part of the Department of Health and Human Services) offers resources for parents. These include tips on finding the right option for each child and data on regulated facilities in North Carolina. The division also offers a search function that allows families to find care facilities using a number of attributes that may be important to them.
Child Care Resources, Inc. (CCRI) is a private, non-profit agency that is a go-to source for early care and education and school-age child care in the Central Carolinas community: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ Note that UNC Charlotte does not expressly endorse this organization. Parents should exercise their own good judgment when evaluating prospective child care facilities.
MECK Pre-K is a county-funded pre-kindergarten program, free to eligible 4-year-olds: https://smartstartofmeck.org/meckprek/ UNC Charlotte employees may also search for child care providers through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the GuidanceResources tool: https://hr.charlotte.edu/employee-relations/compsych-guidance-resources-employee-assistance-program
Lactation Support
Mother’s can find the designated lactation room on main campus in the Atkin’s Library room G38. These facilities are open to students, staff, faculty, and visitors. At the Center City Building, Room 420 (4th floor) is currently designated as a wellness room, with priority given to nursing mothers.
Scholarships
To look for scholarship opportunities, visit the University Scholarship Office website or OASES Scholarships. ANSWER scholarships are awarded to women who are pursuing their first 4-year degree who have school-aged children: http://answerscholarship.org/
Summer Camps
Families also may seek information about summer options for their children. The Charlotte Observer and Charlotte Parent Magazine are two organizations that offer searchable online directories listing local summer camps. In addition, UNC Charlotte provides summer enrichment camps called Camps on Campus.
Other UNC Charlotte Parent Pages
ADVANCE Faculty Affairs & Diversity Office
Student parents can also refer to these beneficial resources: Student Health Center, Counseling & Psychological Services, and Student Assistance & Support
Please note: The existence of external links on this website does not imply (1) an endorsement or approval by UNC Charlotte of any agency or any specific child care or camp provider, its properties, facilities or services, or its business practices, or (2) a warranty or representation by UNC Charlotte as to the quality, safety, or other features of any child care or summer camp provider and/or its owners or management agent(s).