can i support us going back to schoool with only grants and no loans?! freaking out!!

[LorelaisMommy]

help people! hopefully someone out there has ideas..

I am a single mommy with a crazy lil 3yr old daughter.

I am trying to go back to school f/t to become a preschool teacher and I dont want to take out loans.

I already signed up and registered at the school itself, applied and recieved the BOG waiver, I got the Pell Grant for one schoool (before I found out that that school does not have the classes needed for my major, so I went and enrolled in their sister school and I dont see the Pell Grant on the award letter, only BOG waiver). Im working on finding out what to do about that..

What other grants should I pursue?

Is this something I can do?

I dont have income coming in from anywhere else, we'd live off campus in our own apartment, I have no childcare assistance, and am pursuing finding out how much it would cost me to enroll her onsite the school daycare. I am not eligible for county assistance at this time either.

Please, suggestions, personal stories, encouragement welcome!!!

Thank you and God bless! <3

[K1329]

You're smart to avoid loans, if possible. My friend worked at a preschool & they paid for her to go to school & get certified. That might be one option. See if any local employers offer staff education opportunities.
I worked part time and attended school part time. Took 6 yrs to complete a 4 yr degree, but, for me, lower stress and no debt.
Good luck!

[carmel23]

BOG is great but you will need a job to pay for other stuff; look for daycare jobs in your area.  Good luck!

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by K1329 

You're smart to avoid loans, if possible. My friend worked at a preschool & they paid for her to go to school & get certified. That might be one option. See if any local employers offer staff education opportunities.
I worked part time and attended school part time. Took 6 yrs to complete a 4 yr degree, but, for me, lower stress and no debt.
Good luck!

I think the bolded is a great option to look into. Also, I did the same as K1329 in terms of taking longer to finish my degrees and it was worth it.  I did have some student loans, but ultimately, we were able to pay them off pretty quickly.  Lastly, look at how much the degree will cost you (if you do take out some loans) versus the median income for that career.