The current response strategy at the secondary education level is offering specialized programs that encourage retention and graduation. Some of these programs include: Parenting, prenatal and life skills development; child care and early learning; dropout prevention (U.S. Department of Education, 2013).
The current response strategy at the postsecondary education level is predominately underwhelming. Some colleges and universities, such as Georgia State University, offer child care facilities and family housing options to their student body. Others, like the University of California – Berkeley, host student parent organizations which provide counseling, financial aid/scholarship and internship opportunities, and numerous social services resources.
Though not legally required, these targeted efforts are designed to fulfill the provisions made by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Major resources needed to support the response strategies are both human and monetary capital. On-campus daycares employ trained and certified teachers. Staff clean the facilities and prepare meals for children. Federal funds are allocated to support preschool learning curricula. National budget cuts require parents (and teachers) to contribute more financially, which may influence whether or not their children are able to participate in the very systems designed for their benefit.
Recipient groups include all legally eligible students enrolled in American public schools. Though pregnancy is a visible predicament, in order to receive medical benefits, female students usually need to provide written notices of pregnancy to receive specific care. Clubs and organizations may boast membership requirements, maybe that members are in good academic standards or must attend a total number of meetings to remain active. Otherwise, service delivery is not contingent upon factors outside the student’s pregnancy or parenting status.