San Juan College is enhancing support for student parents with the launch of a new Family Study Area inside the SJC Tutoring Center.
This inclusive, thoughtfully designed space allows students to focus on academics while their young children play and learn in a safe, welcoming environment—making college life more accessible for families.
Family-Friendly Study Space Now Open in the Tutoring Center
Located in Room 1611E of the San Juan College Tutoring Center, the Family Study Area offers a dedicated space where parent students can study without needing to arrange last-minute childcare. Children can stay close while engaging in activities designed to encourage creativity, interaction, and learning.
The project was made possible through a Family Friendly Higher Education Grant, a partnership between San Juan College and the Santa Fe Community College Early Childhood Center of Excellence (SFCC ECCOE). The goal: to create a family-focused campus resource that promotes both personal and academic success for parenting students.
A Collaborative Project with Real Student Input
SFCC ECCOE awarded $5,000 in grant funding to bring this vision to life. In turn, the SJC Tutoring Center team led a cross-department collaboration, including the Physical Plant and Child and Family Development Center, to design and furnish the room based directly on feedback from student parents.
“We listened to our student parents,” said Mystelle Beasley, Director of the Tutoring Center. “Their input shaped everything—from the types of toys and books to the style of furniture we selected.”
Tutoring Center staff also researched family study areas at other institutions to ensure the design met modern standards for safety, functionality, and engagement.
What’s Inside the Family Study Area?
This family-focused space is stocked with age-appropriate materials and child-friendly furnishings, creating a supportive environment for both study and play. Features include:
- Educational toys like puzzles, building blocks, and interactive learning tools
- A kitchen play area for imaginative play
- Toddler-sized tables and chairs to fit small learners
- A wall-mounted sensory board for tactile engagement
- Comfortable floor mats for quiet time or movie watching
- Diverse children’s books that promote early literacy and inclusion
The setup helps keep young children engaged while parents concentrate on tutoring sessions, studying, or coursework.
Student Parents Welcome the New Resource
Early feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. One student parent shared:
“I’m so glad your department is doing this for us. It’s so hard to find a babysitter last minute and still get tutoring in person.”
Another commented:
“This will really help me avoid leaving campus, dropping off my child, and then coming back for more study time.”
The space reduces the barriers that parent students often face, making it easier to balance caregiving responsibilities with academic goals.
Empowering Parents and Enhancing Student Success
The Family Study Area at San Juan College is more than just a room—it’s a commitment to building a supportive, inclusive campus that recognizes the unique needs of student parents.
“This is such a great idea for student parents,” one student said. “I can’t wait to try it out!”
By offering resources like this, San Juan College continues to expand its focus on student success, accessibility, and equity for all learners—no matter their stage of life.
