For information about other off-campus resources for child care, WIC, and other student parent resources, please review our some resources below and check out CARE Resource Guide for Basic Needs.
Public Benefits
CalFresh
Eligibility listed applies to students taking credit courses. Students taking ONLY non-credit courses should review the additional eligibility via our CalFresh webpage. For application assistance, please view our appointments page.
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT (S-EBT), is a new program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Some families will qualify automatically if they receive CalFresh, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal OR are approved for free or reduced price meals from a National School Lunch Program certified for free meals. SUN bucks cards will be mailed out starting in June and families have 122 days from when the card is issued to use their food benefits and until August 31st to become eligible for the program. View the Eligibility Flowchart here.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health care to low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to essential medical services. Medi-Cal can help cover doctor visits, hospital care, vaccinations, pregnancy-related services, medications, and more. For application assistance, please view our appointments page.
CalWORKs
The CalWORKs Program provides monthly cash assistance to low-income families with at least one child in the home to help cover essential needs such as rent, housing, food, clothing, medical payments, and utilities. CalWORKs benefits are issued to support basic household stability and may include additional supportive services like child care assistance and housing support. Eligibility is based on income, age, and citizenship. To apply for benefits, go to this website. Once receiving CalWORKs, you may be eligible to apply to the CalWORKs Program at MiraCosta College.
Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
The California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is a food and nutrition program for growing families. The program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, benefits to buy healthy foods, and referrals to health care and other community services.
Child Care
Head Start (Childcare & Preschool)
Head Start, Early Head Start and State Preschool programs deliver national school readiness programs at no cost to eligible families. Eligibility is based on family size and income or categorical eligibility if families receive CalWORKs, CalFresh, SSI benefits, are applying for services for a foster child or if the family is homeless under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. They serve children (0-5) and their families, children with disabilities and pregnant women.
- MAAC Head Start provides services in Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Marcos, Valley Center, and Vista.
- Easter Seals Southern California provides services in Borrego Springs, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona, and Solana Beach
- Head Start / Early Head Start provides free child care, to see if you qualify and to apply, visit the Head Start website or contact a local Head Start provider.
Boys & Girls Club
Provides afterschool programs, day camps, and other activities to help empower youth to graduate high school with a plan for college or a career, contribute to their community, and live a healthy life. To view your local Boys & Girls Club check out this website. There may be financial assistance available to cover the costs of programming, please review your local Boys & Girls Club for further information.
California Child Care Resource & Referral Network
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.
CalWORKs Child Care
The CalWORKs Child Care program helps low-income families access and afford child care so parents can work, attend school, or participate in training. CalWorks provides financial assistance for child care services, covering children from birth through age 12. This support ensures that parents can pursue employment or education while their children receive quality care. To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the CalWORKs Child Care website.
California State Preschool Program
The California State Preschool Program (CSPP) offers free or low-cost preschool for three- and four- year-old children from income-eligible families who meet certain requirements. Part-day and full-day options are available and include meals and developmental screenings for children. This state program is administered through local educational agencies, colleges, nonprofits, and other licensed providers. To find a CSPP program near you, contact your local school district or educational agency.
Local Child Care Programs
Local child care programs provide financial assistance for child care to support families with children from birth to age 12. These state and federal programs offer a range of early learning and after-school services, including care for babies, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and children in kindergarten through sixth grade. To find available child care programs near you, use the provider search. To learn about eligibility, you can visit this website.
YMCA
Assists families in identifying child care and other community resources that meet the specific needs of the child and family. We help families who qualify to pay for child care services. Eligibility is based on income and need. We serve children from infants to 13 years old and 18 to 21 years old for people with documented exceptional needs, as long as a parent or caregiver remains eligible for the program. Please visit the YMCA website for more information on program eligibility.
Financial Resources
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 California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
The California Earned Income Tax Credit, commonly known as the CalEITC, is a refundable tax credit that provides economic support to Californians with low incomes and helps individuals and families pay for basic needs like housing, food, and other necessities. Click here for more information and to check if you qualify.
The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)
The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) provides a credit up to $1,083 per tax return for Californians who qualify for CalEITC and have a child under 6 years old. Click here for more information about qualifying and how to claim this credit.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
The Additional Child Tax Credit (CTC) allows you to increase your tax refund by claiming up to $1,700 per qualifying child. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.
Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC)
The Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) offers up to $1,154 as a refundable tax credit during tax season for current and former foster youth. To learn more, visit the California Franchise Tax Board website here.
Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC)
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit helps reduce a working parent’s taxable income if they paid for child care for children under age 13 or care for a dependent while working, attending school full-time, or actively looking for work. This credit can ease the financial burden of caregiving, making it more affordable to balance family and career or education needs. To claim this credit, be sure to include all qualifying expenses when filing your federal tax return. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) provides up to $1,000 as a refundable cash credit when you file your taxes. This credit can help get you money back for school expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies needed for your studies. To claim AOTC, include your qualifying education expenses on your federal tax return. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) allows you to reduce your taxable income by up to $2,000 for qualifying education expenses. This credit can help offset the costs of tuition, enrollment fees, and other school expenses, making education more affordable. To claim the LLC, include your qualifying expenses when filing your federal tax return. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.
Free Tax Filing Services (VITA)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax filing services to individuals and families who meet certain income requirements. VITA can help you file your taxes accurately and ensure you receive any credits or refunds you’re eligible for, including education and child tax credits. Certified volunteers offer this service at community locations, making it accessible and convenient. Use this website to locate the VITA program site nearest you. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.
Free Online Self-Filing
There are free online self-filing programs, like MyFreeTaxes.org, which provides a secure and accessible platform for you to file your taxes online at no cost. This service, powered by the United Way, helps you maximize your refunds and claim eligible credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements and have access to a computer or mobile device. To learn more or begin filing your taxes for free, visit their website or contact their support team for assistance.
