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Student parents on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus have the option to study without interruption from their youngest family members during finals week thanks to a couple of hours of free childcare. Study Tables are just one of the many resources offered by SIUE’s Student Parent Support Group. The after-hours support has been in place at The Early Childhood Center (ECC) since 2022.

“It's great because I don't really have to tend to him while I'm doing my homework, and then stop, and then end up saying, like, ‘Oh, I'll do it tomorrow,’” said Jasmine Dochee, a fifth-year senior and mother to a two-year-old son. “Now I'm doing it right before the deadline. So that means a lot to me.”

Dochee graduates this December with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Black studies. She moved to SIUE family housing from the Chicago suburbs.

To finish her final semester on campus for both Dochee and her son, she has to complete one project and one final exam. She recalls how assistance was also quite valuable a few semesters earlier.

“At first, I was getting help with the diaper drives. Those were really, really helpful when I first had him because diapers are really expensive. I don't think I bought a pack of diapers until he was like, one,” said Dochee.

Lealia Williams, alumna (‘00, ‘23) and Student Care and Advocacy Coordinator in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, launched study tables in response to parent requests for a safe environment for their children while preparing for final exams.

“My husband and I were both student parents when we graduated in 2000,” said Williams. “At that time, we just had one child, and she ended up with chicken pox right when we had finals. So that was very challenging."

Student workers at the ECC, who have undergone background checks, are in charge of watching the children. The ECC accepts children two through five years of age. According to a 2023 Student Basic Needs Survey, published by The Hope Center, it is estimated that student parents make up 9.75% of the SIUE student body.

“They love it. They're glad that we have it,” said Williams. “It's a time for them to unwind and not have to worry about their child while they're studying. So it's a good time for them to have time with yourself and focus.”

Other services of the Student Parent Support Group this semester included a monthly meet-up where families received fresh fruits and vegetables from the Goshen market, and a presentation that shared information on SNAP and Medicaid benefits. Student parents were also able to get a tour of the Cougar Cupboard and shop for food and hygiene products.

“Last month we had a mental health consultant come to talk about choosing terrific toys, that are educational for  children of all ages,” said Williams.

She added, “If you're working full time, going to school, trying to balance schoolwork, family, cooking dinner, helping your child, and spending time with them, it's just a lot. And then trying to find time for yourself to do homework, because by the time you get them down to sleep, you're ready to go sleep. You're tired, so you're up all hours of the night. It's just a lot.”

As a graduating senior, Dochee shares advice to other student parents who may feel overwhelmed and unsure if graduation is possible.

“Keep pushing,” said Dochee. “Keep pushing through. It all comes to an end soon. You're going to have bad days and you’re going to have good days, but it's going to feel good when you're finally done—when you finally are like, wow, I went through all of that.”

“There were some times that I could have done much better on tests and I needed extra help on homework, but I had to give myself grace, because I am a parent as well,” Dochee added, “I'm not just like a single student, where I only have to think about myself. I have to think about another person too. So I'm glad I stayed in school, and I'm glad I kept pushing, because now I'm at the finish line.”

PHOTOS:  Jasmine Dochee, mother and fifth-year senior in psychology; childcare at the ECC; Dochee, one of two students at study tables for finals