Supporting Our Student Parents

Supporting Our Student Parents 

father with a daughter and son

Supporting You and Your Family at San Diego Miramar College

At San Diego Miramar College, we recognize that being both a student and a parent comes with unique responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities. Balancing coursework, family commitments, employment, and everyday life takes dedication, and we are committed to helping student parents succeed.

We believe that parenting students deserve access to the resources, services, and support necessary to achieve their educational goals while caring for their families. Whether you are beginning your college journey, returning to school, or working toward a degree, certificate, or transfer, Miramar College is here to support you.

This webpage brings together campus and community resources to help you navigate college while raising a family. Explore information about priority registration, financial assistance, childcare, food assistance, and other services available to support you and your children.

Who Is a Student Parent?

Student parents are students who are raising or providing care for children while attending college. Many of the resources listed below are available to parents, guardians, and caregivers, although eligibility requirements vary by program.

For purposes of California's student-parent priority registration law, a qualifying student parent has a child or children under the age of 18 who receive more than half of their support from that student.

You do not have to qualify for every program to use this resource page.

Priority Registration for Student Parents

Eligible student parents may qualify for priority registration, which provides an earlier opportunity to enroll in classes and develop schedules that accommodate their family responsibilities.

Under California Education Code Section 66025.81 and San Diego Community College District registration policies, eligible parents of children under age 18 may qualify for priority enrollment.

How to get started:

Visit the SDCCD Registration Information webpage to review registration requirements and determine your next steps. You can also view your assigned registration appointment through your mySDCCD student account.

Eligibility: Students must satisfy the applicable dependent-child support requirements and District registration procedures. Additional enrollment-priority conditions may apply.

Financial Aid and Support for Student Parents

Paying for college while supporting a family can be challenging. Financial aid programs may help cover tuition, books, transportation, housing, childcare, and other educational expenses.

Apply for Financial Aid

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Students eligible for federal financial aid may apply for grants, work-study, and other assistance through StudentAid.gov.
  • California Dream Act Application (CADAA): Eligible students who cannot apply through FAFSA may qualify for California state financial aid through the California Student Aid Commission.
  • Financial Aid for Students With Dependent Children: Eligible students may qualify for additional financial assistance under California grant programs, including qualifying Cal Grant and Student Success Completion Grant awards. The Financial Aid Office can review available programs and eligibility.

Childcare Expenses and Your Cost of Attendance

If you pay for childcare or other dependent care so you can attend college, your financial aid cost of attendance may be adjusted to recognize eligible expenses.

Your cost of attendance is the estimated amount it costs to attend college for an academic year. It may include tuition and fees, books and supplies, food, housing, transportation, personal expenses, and eligible dependent care costs.

An adjustment does not automatically guarantee more financial aid, but it may increase the amount of aid you are eligible to receive, depending on your circumstances and available funding.

What should student parents do?

Contact the Miramar College Financial Aid Office to ask about a cost-of-attendance review, dependent care allowance, grant eligibility, and supporting documentation. You may also request information about the college's current student-parent cost estimates and net price calculator.

Contact: 

Scholarships for Student Parents

Scholarships can help ease the financial challenges of balancing college and family responsibilities. San Diego Miramar College encourages student parents to explore scholarship opportunities that can help cover educational expenses, including tuition, books, supplies, and other costs associated with attending college.

Scholarships are available through the college, community organizations, and outside foundations. Some are specifically designed for student parents, single parents, or students experiencing financial hardship.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities:

Visit the Miramar College Scholarships webpage to learn more about available scholarships, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

 

Childcare and Early Childhood Education

Finding affordable, reliable childcare can be one of the most significant challenges for students with children. Miramar College and community organizations offer resources to help families find early education programs and childcare assistance.

Miramar College Child Development Center

The Miramar College Child Development Center provides early learning and childcare programs for eligible families, including student parents.

Programs support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through age-appropriate educational experiences.

Free or low-cost childcare may be available to income-eligible families. Space is limited, and enrollment is based on program eligibility and prioritization requirements.

Location: F-200, San Diego Miramar College

Contact:

Childcare Referrals and Financial Assistance

The YMCA of San Diego County's Childcare Resource Service offers free referrals to licensed childcare providers and assistance locating affordable childcare.

Families may also inquire about subsidized childcare options and eligibility.

Contact:

Eligibility: Childcare referrals are available to families throughout the county. Financial assistance programs have separate income, family size, and other eligibility requirements.

Food and Basic Needs Assistance

Access to nutritious food, stable housing, and other basic necessities is essential to the well-being of students and their families.

Miramar College Jet Fuel Resource Center

Miramar's Basic Needs program helps students access resources and support for food insecurity, financial challenges, and other essential needs. Services include food pantry access, montly access to diapers and wipes,  referrals to campus and community resources, individual support, and help connecting with public benefits.

Contact:

Eligibility: Services are available to enrolled Miramar students

CalFresh — Food Assistance

CalFresh provides eligible individuals and families with monthly benefits to purchase food. Student parents may qualify for CalFresh depending on household income, family composition, and applicable student eligibility rules.

Miramar's Basic Needs program can assist students with learning about CalFresh eligibility and connecting with application assistance.

Where to apply: BenefitsCal

Campus assistance: Jet Fuel Resource Center, K1-211, (619) 388-7154.

Eligibility: Based on household circumstances, income, and program rules. Additional requirements may apply to college students.

WIC — Women, Infants, and Children

The California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition education, healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and community services.

WIC serves eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, breastfeeding parents, infants, and children under age five.

Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers may also apply for eligible children in their care.

Where to find services: Local WIC clinics throughout San Diego County.

Website: California WIC

Eligibility: Generally based on qualifying family circumstances, age or pregnancy/postpartum status, residency, income, and nutritional eligibility requirements.

Local contact: [Insert verified San Diego County WIC provider name, telephone, email, and clinic location.]

CalWORKs and Support for Single Parents

Miramar College CalWORKs Program

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program provides eligible families with financial assistance and employment-related services.

Miramar's CalWORKs Student Services Program supports students receiving CalWORKs cash aid as they pursue educational and career goals.

Services may include academic counseling, priority registration, coordination of childcare and transportation assistance, employment resources, and referrals to other support programs.

Contact:

Eligibility: Students must meet campus program requirements, including receipt of qualifying CalWORKs cash aid.

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

CARE provides additional educational and financial support to eligible single-parent students participating in EOPS.

Depending on eligibility and available funding, support may include childcare assistance, educational supplies, grants, counseling, and parent support activities.

Contact:

Eligibility: Students generally must be enrolled in EOPS, be single heads of household, receive qualifying CalWORKs cash aid, and have at least one dependent child under 18, along with other program requirements.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

EOPS offers eligible students academic counseling, educational planning, and additional financial and educational support.

Student parents experiencing economic and educational barriers are encouraged to explore the program.

Contact:

Eligibility: Based on financial need, educational disadvantage, enrollment, and other EOPS program criteria.

Tax Credits and Free Tax Preparation

Working students and families may qualify for federal and California tax credits that reduce taxes owed or provide a refund.

Even if you earn a limited income, filing a tax return may help you access financial benefits for which you qualify.

Federal Tax Credits

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A tax credit for eligible workers and families with low to moderate earned income.
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC): A tax benefit for eligible taxpayers with qualifying children.
  • Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: May reduce taxes for eligible individuals who pay for dependent care to work or look for work.
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Helps eligible students and families with qualifying higher education expenses.
  • Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC): Provides a credit for eligible higher education and job-skills expenses.

Learn more through the Internal Revenue Service's Family, Dependent, and Student Tax Credits.

California Tax Credits

  • California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC): A refundable state credit for eligible working Californians.
  • Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC): Additional tax assistance for eligible California families with young children.
  • Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC): A refundable credit for qualifying current or former foster youth who meet applicable requirements.

Learn more about eligibility through the California Franchise Tax Board.

Free Tax Preparation — VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation for qualifying individuals and families, including many people with limited incomes.

Find free services through the IRS VITA Program.

Eligibility: Each credit has its own income, filing status, dependent, and other requirements. VITA also has eligibility requirements.

Contact and locations: IRS and California Franchise Tax Board websites provide current program guidance. [Insert verified local VITA provider, location, telephone, and email.]

Additional Financial and Community Resources

Student parents may qualify for other resources depending on household size, income, employment, housing situation, and family circumstances.

Medi-Cal and Health Coverage

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Californians, including children and families.

Learn more at Covered California or BenefitsCal.

Housing and Utility Assistance

Families experiencing difficulty paying for housing, utilities, or other necessities may be eligible for local assistance.

The Miramar Basic Needs team can help connect students with available campus and community resources.

California Paid Family Leave

Eligible working parents may receive partial wage replacement when taking time away from work to bond with a new child or care for an eligible family member.

Learn more from the California Employment Development Department.

Community Resource Referrals — 211 San Diego

211 San Diego connects individuals and families with community services, including childcare, food, housing, health care, and financial assistance.

  • Phone: 2-1-1
  • Website: 211 San Diego
  • Eligibility: Referral assistance is generally available to community members; individual programs have separate requirements.

Need Help Finding the Right Resources?

You do not have to navigate these programs alone.

If you are unsure which resources may be available to you and your family, the Miramar College Jet Fuel Resource Center can help you explore options, identify available services, and connect with appropriate campus and community programs.

Contact:

Eligibility: Services are available to enrolled Miramar students

Pregnancy, Parenting, and Title IX Protections

San Diego Miramar College is committed to ensuring that pregnant and parenting students have equitable access to educational opportunities.

Title IX protects students from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Students may be eligible for reasonable academic adjustments and support to continue their education during pregnancy or recovery from childbirth.

If you have questions about your rights, need assistance navigating pregnancy-related academic concerns, or believe you have experienced discrimination, please contact the District Title IX Office or Miramar College's designated Title IX Deputy Coordinator.

Contact:

Amber Eckert - SDCCD Title IX Coordinator 
Phone: (619) 388-6660
Email: [email protected]
Location: District Office, Room 385, 3375 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108

Cheryl Barnard - Title IX Deptury Coordinator 
Dean of Student Affairs
Location: K1-210
Phone: (619) 388-7313
Email: [email protected]

For additional information, visit the SDCCD Pregnancy and Parenting Title IX Resources.