S. 2862 — CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act

This section revises the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program to facilitate child care access for eligible student parents at eligible institutions. (As background, CCAMPIS previously authorized grants to institutions of higher education for campus-based child care primarily serving low-income Pell Grant recipients.) The revision (1) redefines eligible institutions as institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) with at least 150 Pell-eligible students in the most recent award year (from institutions with at least $350,000 in Pell Grant funds awarded the prior year, or $250,000 if appropriations reached $20 million); (2) sets grant amounts at a minimum of $75,000 per year (from $10,000 or $30,000) and a maximum of $2 million per year (new), with ratable proration based on available funds; (3) extends grant duration to 5 years (from 4 years) and authorizes supplemental grants and continuation awards based on demonstrated need and good faith efforts; (4) expands authorized uses to include subsidized child care on a sliding fee scale, before- and after-school services, support services, and program quality enhancements while prohibiting construction (except limited renovations) and additional student eligibility requirements beyond defined criteria; and (5) defines eligible student parents as enrolled parents or guardians of dependent children who meet Pell Grant financial criteria (even if not receiving a Pell Grant due to FAFSA issues, other eligibility barriers, or graduate/professional enrollment).