Parenting Students

CalWORKs

Description: The Río Hondo College CalWORKs Program provides student-parents with personalized support to help them balance education, parenting, and employment. Through access to priority registration, academic and career counseling, financial aid support, childcare referrals, laptop assistance, and employment opportunities, CalWORKs empowers student-parents to achieve their educational goals while meeting CalWORKs/TANF requirements. This comprehensive support system helps parents work toward long-term economic self-sufficiency, all while building a brighter future for their families.

CARE Program

Description: The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is a supplemental component of EOPS that specifically assists students who are single parents or heads of household receiving cash aid through CalWORKs/TANF. CARE offers supportive services, so students can acquire the education, training, and marketable skills needed to transition from public assistance to employment and self-sufficiency.

Services Provided

• Agency & County Referrals
• CARE Grants (additional requirements)
• Family-centered Holiday Events
• Gift Cards (food and gas)
• Motivational & Informational Workshops
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Single Parent Conferences

Child Care

Description: The California Child Care Resource & Referral Network helps families find local child care providers throughout California. This service connects families with licensed providers, offering guidance on selecting safe and quality child care that meets each family’s specific needs. To get started, visit the network’s website.

Río Hondo College Child Development Center

• The Río Hondo College Child Development Center Pre-School Laboratory is an educational preschool program with full-time enrollment
• Drop off and pick up parking is available directly at the Child Development Center

Enrollment

• Enrollment is available to Río Hondo students, faculty/staff and local community
• Our program enrolls children ages 2 years – entry into Kindergarten
• Three year olds must be three by September 1st for subsidized care eligibility
• Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year
• NOTE: Children are not required to be fully toilet trained to enroll

Basic Needs

Description: The Basic Needs program offer personalized assistance with applying for essential resources like WIC and CalFresh, connecting you to childcare support, housing services, and our on-campus food pantry. Through RíoSource, our caring team ensures you and your family have access to the support systems you need to succeed.

Additionally, the RíoSource Room provides diapers, formula, baby/children’s clothing, and hygiene items (as available) through our partnership with Baby2Baby and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

Title IX Protections

Description: Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex—including pregnancy and related conditions—in educational programs and activities. Under this law, pregnant students have the right to:

• Continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities without discrimination.
• Receive reasonable adjustments, such as excused absences for medical appointments or childbirth.
• Access support services, including academic accommodations and counseling.

Health & Wellness

Description: Río Hondo College offers a variety of support groups to assist students with different needs. Groups are facilitated by licensed/trained therapists. Parent-to-Parent is a support group for student-parents.

Lactation Rooms

Description: A private, clean, and comfortable space is available for breastfeeding or pumping. Students can request access at the front desk, where staff will assist with entry.

Tax Information

Description: If you work and have a low to moderate income, you may qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This credit provides a refund or reduces the amount of federal tax you owe. If eligible, the EITC can help put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back in your pocket, helping to support your household expenses. The value is up to $4,328 with one child and up to $8,046 with three or more children. To claim this credit, you must file your federal tax return and meet specific income and eligibility requirements. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

The Additional Child Tax Credit (CTC) allows you to increase your tax refund by claiming up to $1,700 per qualifying child. For low-income families, this credit can provide a refundable amount to help support essential household expenses. To qualify, make sure to include each child’s information when filing your federal tax return. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.