The COVID-19 pandemic hit parent-students hard. Providing for families outweighs any desire to receive an education.
Heather French, a former Citrus College student, said she’s been trying to find a way back to school for two years but must stay home to take care of her young daughter.
“My fiancé lost his job and there was just no way I would be able to go back (to school),” French said. “I can’t even think about taking any classes, I just don’t have the time.”
Citrus ran a childcare program from 1978-2012. The program consisted of preschool, before and aftercare and programs for foster youth. In 2007 the foster youth program expanded care to foster children of high school and college-age.
The program was suspended in June 2012, and the development center was outfitted as the new veterans’ center.
Tanya Howell, a former student, said she remembers taking her two children before her classes started in 2009.
“I don’t think I would have been able to go to school if it wasn’t for that center,” Howell said. “It’s a shame that Citrus just let it go.”
In 2012-2013, the Citrus adopted budget shows revenue for community colleges came in $539 million below what was forecasted. However, in 2013-2014, the budget showed $227 million, which was over $30 million of the proposed amount, was being allocated to programs. $89.4 million will restore access to programs and assist with enrollment growth statewide.
A Patch news story from 2012 said Citrus College was not going to reopen the child care and development center, even if the governor’s referendum was approved. Citrus had already decided to close the center, regardless of possible monetary amounts being sent that could keep it open.
Students have not flocked back to campus as the school would hope, and many have chosen to work instead of coming back to school.
“If they’d (Citrus) offer child care again, I could work part-time and finish my degree,” French said. “I just want a better life for my family. I’d be so thankful for any help, even if it’s only a few hours. I’d make it work.”
The desperation of parents like French and Howell makes it clear there is a need for on-site care. The school would benefit from the increase in numbers as many parents like French are stuck choosing to work out of necessity for their family.
The Citrus 2021-2022 budget shows the school’s full-time student enrollment is down 12%. The budget also says Citrus College receives funds for programs that teach child care and development.
Citrus College’s educational and facilities master plan outline for 2020-2030 outlines a need for a childcare laboratory. The plan outlines that travel to school is difficult for parents with children, and that Citrus does not provide adequate transportation. The plan states that parents’ site the expense and need for childcare have hindered parents from attending school full time.
Citrus would benefit from having returning parent students on campus. Since the school receives funding for full-time students, it would be beneficial to have a resource for parents wanting to attend Citrus.
