DVC supports all members of our campus community, including students with families. This page provides resources for students who are parents and those with dependent children. We are here to help you balance supporting your family and achieving your academic goals!
Priority Registration
Beginning in fall 2023, student parents who complete their orientation, placement process, and education plan qualify for priority registration.
Campus Resources
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Secure, Clean, and Accessible Lactation Spaces
Both Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campuses provide Mamava Lactation Pods for secure, clean, and accessible spaces to pump and nurse.
Pleasant Hill Campus
- Location: Student Services Center, first floor, near room 125
- Access: Visit the Welcome Services front counter or call 925-969-2106 to get a code from our staff.
San Ramon Campus
- Location: Outside the Admissions lobby, near room W148
- Access: Ask a staff member at the Front Desk or Admissions counter for the access code.
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CalWORKs is for students who receive cash aid and are part of the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program in their county. CalWORKs students get comprehensive support services, including:
- Textbook support
- Childcare
- Transportation assistance
- School supplies
- Job development resources
- Specialized counseling
- Community workshops and events
- Priority registration
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Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a comprehensive support program aimed at promoting the academic success of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is a program under EOPS, provides extra support to single parents receiving cash aid for themselves and/or their children.
CARE students receive:
- The usual EOPS support services
- Additional grants each semester
- School supplies
- Extra support services
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Find enrollment information for DVC's Children's Center lab school, part of the early childhood education program. This center provides a place for children of DVC students while they attend classes.
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DVC provides menstrual products (menstrual pads and tampons for use in connection with the menstrual cycle), available and accessible, free of cost, at both campuses.
Find Menstrual Products
Food Resources
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The CalFresh Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) helps low-income households increase their food-buying power to meet their nutritional needs. CalFresh benefits, issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, can be used in grocery stores and participating farmers' markets. CalFresh eligibility is based on income and is available to children, U.S. citizens, and certain non-citizens.
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The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) promotes the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides nutritious foods, 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 WIC 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!
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The DVC Food Pantry is a free supplemental food resource for all students in need. Currently enrolled students are eligible for food pantry services. Visit the Student Union at the 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.
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The Summer Meals for Kids resource provides parents and referral agencies with a list of locations where children can receive free nutritious meals during school vacation and off-track periods.
Financial Resources
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If you work and have low income, you may qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). This credit provides 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 of these credits.
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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 eligible, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.
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SparkPoint Contra Costa – DVC is a community-based partnership designed to help individuals become financially sustainable. We assist students in advancing their knowledge on budgeting, credit, and overcoming financial challenges. Access the support you need with free financial workshops and coaching!