3 Tips for Moms Considering College

In honor of Mother's Day and busy moms who want to go back to school, here are a few tips and tricks that might make earning your college degree a little easier. Investigate campus daycare. If you opt to attend a local college - even one that offers hybrid programs with online coursework - you may find a school that operates an onsite daycare center. College daycares are often staffed by students and early education department supervisors, and they may be less expensive than mainstream childcare. If you attend a fully online college, see if your state offers a postsecondary childcare grant. Find a campus support group for moms. Student parent support groups may gather to discuss common stressors and parenting concerns, or they may work to improve the college experience for busy moms and dads - petitioning for lactation rooms in campus buildings or more lenient extension policies for late coursework. If your chosen college doesn't have a student group for parents, start one! Consider degrees that may afford some career flexibility. Many job sectors are conducive to family schedules. You might consider roles in education, healthcare support services, or social services - to name just a few. You might also investigate staffing agencies that specialize in flexible work solutions for moms and students.