CCC and YMCA Partner to Launch Free Child Care Program

OREGON CITY - Clackamas Community College has partnered with the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette to provide free drop-in child care services at the college’s Oregon City campus. According to the CCC’’s annual fall student survey, child care remains one of the top barriers students face while attending college.

This collaboration with the YMCA supports CCC students who are parents or guardians, ensuring they can access convenient child care during essential meetings, advising sessions or short one-to-two-hour classes.

“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to supporting our diverse student body, particularly adult learners who are also parents or guardians,” Tara Sprehe, dean of academic foundations and connections, said. “We believe that by offering accessible child care options, we empower our student-caregivers to pursue their educational goals while ensuring the needs of their families are met.”

The free drop-in child care service is available Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in McLoughlin Hall. To use this service, current and prospective student-caregivers can show their current student ID or obtain a "day pass" from the Wacheno Welcome Center desk. Children must be potty trained and aged 3-12, and families should allow time for registration to ensure all appropriate information is captured to provide the highest quality care possible. 

The YMCA has partnered with Clackamas Community College for over two decades, and this is another example of our commitment to serve families on campus. The YMCA also offers additional child care options at its facility, which is located on the Oregon City campus in the Family Resource Center. The college’s Associated Student Government offers child care grants for qualifying students. 

For more information about child care at CCC, visit CCC's Child Care webpage. For more information about the YMCA child care programs, visit the YMCA's Child Development Center webpage regarding CCC.