For Students Who Are Parents

Are you attending college – and raising a child? Either one can be a challenge, but if you’re trying to do both, here are some resources available to you.

  • You can find additional information by visiting the website listed for each program below.
  • We've also listed email addresses and phone numbers when available.

young woman in grad cap holding little girl

Priority Registration for Students Who Are Parents

De Anza offers priority registration for students who have
  • one or more children under age 18 who receive more than half their support from the student parent
  • completed orientation, assessment and an educational plan

Learn more

General Support

EOPS and CARE

EOPS is a state-funded program at De Anza that assists low-income and academically disadvantaged students so they can succeed in college. Eligible students can get help paying for textbooks, supplies and other needs, as well as early registration, personal and academic counseling, and other services. (EOPS stands for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services.)

EOPS students who are single parents receiving public assistance may also qualify for a related program called CARE (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education), which provides

  • A supportive and caring environment for single parents
  • Assistance with social service issues
  • Financial assistance for books, school supplies, college fees, transportation and meals
  • Help with securing child care
  • CARE grants based on student eligibility and state funding
  • Single parent workshops and support networks

To learn more about EOPS and CARE:

Kids Corner in the Library

Visit the Kids Corner on the second floor of Learning Center West, the annex attached to the main Library building on campus. It's a quiet, comfortable place to bring your kids while you study, equipped with child-sized furniture, children's books and a colorful rug.

(Please study in the adjacent area – children may not be left unattended.) 

table near sunny window with bookshelf

kids furniture on rug near sunny window

Child Care

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center at De Anza serves toddlers and preschoolers from families affiliated with the college as well as the general public. The center operates as a year-round lab school, with student teachers from the Child Development and Education program at De Anza.

Childcare Resource and Referral

The Childcare Resource and Referral Program is a free program available to all families searching for childcare and preschool programs that best meet their needs. The program – operated by the Santa Clara County Office of Education – can provide families with referrals to childcare and preschool providers, information about how to get help with paying for care and how to choose quality care, plus other community services and resources. 

Food Support

CalFresh – Cash Assistance for Food 

CalFresh provides monthly cash assistance for purchasing food. You can get an EBT debit card that looks like any other debit card. Use the card to buy groceries and fresh produce at participating stores, restaurants and farmers' markets. 

  •  
  • Email: DAfoodpantry@deanza.edu – De Anza Food Pantry staffers can help with questions about your eligibility or submitting your application for CalFresh
  • Phone: 877.847.3663 – CalFresh benefits hotline

De Anza Food Pantry

The Food Pantry has fresh and packaged food, dairy products and other items, including hygiene supplies. It's available to any De Anza student; you must show your student ID. You can visit the Food Pantry once each week in RSS 127 – on the first floor of the building where the campus Bookstore is located. Visit the Food Pantry website for current operating hours.

Mobile Food Pantry

A mobile food pantry visits De Anza Parking Lot A on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. You can find fresh produce, meat, dairy products, dry goods and canned items in the mobile pantry, courtesy of West Valley Community Services and De Anza College. Bring your student ID!

WIC – Supplemental Food for Women, Infants and Children

WIC services include nutrition tips, support for breastfeeding, help with finding health care and benefits to buy healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, bread, cereal, juice, peanut butter, soy milk, tofu and more! You may qualify if you are pregnant or caring for a child under age 5 and have low-to-medium income or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF), or CalFresh (SNAP) benefits.

Health and Wellness

First 5 Family Resource Centers

FIRST 5 Family Resource Centers are places where you can find activities, workshops, nutrition information, health screenings and other resources for families with young children – including baby supplies. FIRST Five is a nonprofit program for Santa Clara County parents, funded with tobacco tax dollars.  

Lactation Rooms on Campus

There are designated lactation rooms on campus. Please contact the Student Health Services office for details.

Mental Health and Wellness Center

De Anza has resources for students who are feeling stressed, depressed or overwhelmed. In addition to one-on-one counseling, the Mental Health and Wellness Center hosts weekly drop-in sessions open to all students, along with specialized groups for LGBTQ+ students, athletes and others. Students can also speak with a mental health professional online, anytime via TimelyCare.

Student Health Services

The Student Health Services office offers birth control, women's health exams and appointments to speak with a nurse in person or online via secure video. (These services are not meant for children but may be helpful for parents.)

Job Training

Career Training

De Anza offers career training in more than 24 different subject areas, including

Programs include hands-on learning, internship opportunities and curriculum developed with input from industry experts. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to a four-year university, and to enhance career prospects for working professionals. 

Occupational Training Institute (OTI)

The Occupational Training Institute offers job training for students who are eligible through programs such as CalWORKs (TANF/Welfare to Work), Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Computer Technical Support (CompTechS). Services are designed to prepare students with the specific skills needed for the local job market.

Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit

Earned Income Tax Credits are state and federal tax credits for working people who have earned a low to moderate income.  You may be eligible to receive a cash refund or reduce the amount of tax you owe, depending on your income and family size.

Young Child Tax Credit 

If you qualify for the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC )and have a child under the age of 6, you may also qualify for a refundable tax credit of up to $1000 through the Young Child Tax Credit. If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.

More Resources for Basic Needs

Remember to check the Resources for Basic Needs webpage to learn about more resources available for De Anza students who need assistance with food, shelter, psychological services or transportation.

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