Student Parents

DVC is proud to support all members of our campus community, including students and their families. This page includes resources for students who are parents and others with dependent children. We are here as you balance supporting your family and achieving your academic goals!

Campus resources

Priority Registration

Beginning in fall 2023, student parents who complete their orientation, placement process, and education plan qualify for priority registration. 

Mamava Lactation Pods

Secure, clean, and accessible spaces to pump and nurse are available at both Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campuses with Mamava Lactation Pods

At Pleasant Hill campus, find the Mamava pod in the Student Services Center first floor, near room 125. Come to the Welcome Services front counter or call 925-969-2106 to receive a code from one of our staff.

At San Ramon campus, find the Mamava pod outside the Admissions lobby near room W148. Ask a staff member at the Front Desk or Admissions counter for the access code.

CalWORKs

CalWORKs is a program for students who are cash aid recipients and part of the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program in their county. CalWORKs students receive comprehensive support services such as textbook support, childcare, transportation assistance, school supplies, job development resources, specialized counseling, community workshops, events, and priority registration.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

EOPS is a comprehensive retention and support program designed to promote the academic success of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. CARE is a program under the umbrella of EOPS that provides supplemental support to single parents who are receiving cash aid for themselves and/or their children. In addition to the usual EOPS support services, CARE students also receive additional grants each semester, school supplies, and additional support services.

DVC Children’s Center

Find enrollment information for DVC's Children's Center lab school, part of the early childhood education instructional program and a place for children of DVC students while they are attending classes.


Food resources

CalFresh

The CalFresh Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) helps low-income households increase their food-buying power to meet their household's nutritional needs. CalFresh benefits issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer, also known as EBT card, can be used in grocery stores and participating Farmers Markets. CalFresh is based on income and is open to children, U.S. citizens, and certain non-citizens. 

California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) promotes the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care.

You may qualify if you receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (SNAP) benefits. WIC welcomes military families, migrant families, fathers, foster parents and legal guardians with eligible children. Participating in the WIC program does not affect the immigration status of anyone currently in the U.S.

Use the WIC eligibility assessment tool to see if you qualify. Set up an appointment at a WIC local agency near you! 

DVC Food Pantry and San Ramon Food Program

The DVC Food Pantry serves as a free supplemental food resource for all students who may need it. Currently enrolled students are eligible for food pantry services. Visit the Student Union at Pleasant Hill campus for more information.

For students at the San Ramon Campus, we offer a campus food program. Students can contact Irene Swain to discuss food challenges. 

More information about food resources at DVC and in local communities can be found on the Basic Needs food resources page.

Summer Meals for Kids

The Summer Meals for Kids resource provides parents and referral agencies with a list of locations where children may receive free nutritious meals during school vacation and off-track periods.


Financial resources

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)

If you work and have low income, you may qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of six, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) (see below). Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket. Filing your state tax return is required to claim both these credits.

Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)

Do you have a child under the age of six?

If you qualify for CalEITC (see above) and have a child under the age of six, you may also qualify for a refundable tax credit of up to $1000 through the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)! If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.

SparkPoint Financial Coaching

SparkPoint Contra Costa – DVC is a community based partnership designed to help individuals become financially sustainable. We help students advance their knowledge on budgeting, credit, and overcoming financial challenges. You'll get the support you need with free financial workshops and coaching!