Throughout the country, high schools with high teen pregnancy rates have been implementing daycare options within the school. Teen moms can drop off their child during the school day in order to attend classes. Providing daycare options at high schools can help teen parents finish their education rather than dropping out.
Like other drop-off daycares, one at a high school will often require the following to be provided for each child:
Diapers
Extra clothing
Wipes, lotions, and other toiletry supplies
Formula, breastmilk, or other appropriate food
Because funding is often hard to get for such programs, some schools have a limited amount of space available. Check with a guidance counselor to find out if there are any requirements or restrictions, or to be placed on a waiting list for the daycare.
Unlike traditional daycares, most high school programs are completely free for those who qualify. However, a number of caveats are often attached to using the daycare facility, like taking prenatal classes before birth. Other requirements might include:
Speaking to classmates about preventing teen pregnancy
Speaking to classmates about teen parenting challenges
Taking parenting classes through the daycare
Using free periods to feed and interact with the child
Schools like Malden High School in Massachusetts have seen a rise in the graduation rate of teen parents since implementing daycare facilities and parenting programs.