Pregnant and Parenting Students
El Camino College is committed to helping you achieve your goals and create a fulfilling college experience for both you and your family.
Pregnant and Parenting Student Success
Explore on- and off-campus resources available to parenting students, such as childcare services, financial aid options, career support, and more.
I am driven to be a better mother and show my daughter that dreams and goals can become a reality with endurance and bravery. Through all my trials and tribulations, I kept on track with my education plan and used every resource available… When I see my 4.0 GPA and wonder how did I do it? It makes me want to cry. I know why, because with the help of the CalWORKs program my goals are one step farther from a dream and one step closer to being a reality."
CalWORKs
Campus Resources
CARE Program
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is a state-funded program, under the umbrella of EOPS, designed to provide educational opportunities and support for single parents receiving CalWORKs/TANF cash aid to aid them in reaching their academic and career goals.
Visit CARE Website
Email: careinfo@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-6066
Location: Student Services Building 227
CalWORKs
CalWORKs provides support to eligible parenting students by helping them obtain their educational degree and/or certificate while gaining valuable work experience. The program offers a wide range of services to help students achieve their goals including counseling, case management, job development and placement, college work study, professional and personal development workshops, academic coaching, and reimbursements for books and supplies.
Visit CalWORKs Website
Email: calworksinfo@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-6057
Location: Student Services Building 227
Basic Needs Center
We're here for you. At the Basic Needs Center, you'll find free and low-cost basic
needs services, resources, and support.
The Basic Needs Center is currently comprised of four services:
CalFresh: Nutrition assistance program that helps individuals buy food
Metro U-Pass: Discounted public transportation program
Warrior Closet: Provides free clothing
Warrior Pantry: Offers healthy food items and toiletries
Visit Basic Needs Center Website
Location: Bookstore Building, 2nd Floor
Child Development Club
The purpose of the Child Development Club is to bring together students and community members with an interest in fostering the growth and development of children in their communities. The Child Development Club organizes opportunities for club members to gain experience in the field of child development/early childhood education, including, but not limited to, personal growth, volunteering, community support, and activities for children. The Club stives to show the community that it truly does take a village to raise a child.
Visit Child Development Club Website
Email: Cynthia Cervantes, ccervantes@elcamino.edu
SEA Success Center
The Student Equity & Achievement (SEA) Center is a one-stop shop for student's everyday educational needs. The center can answer any questions students may have, connect them with counselors, advisors, and provide peer support services. Students can meet with a Peer Mentor on a one-on-one basis to discuss important issues or challenges including college life, study skills, time management, campus involvement, student services, campus resources, department referrals and community resources.
Call: 310-660-3593 x3812
Location: Student Services Building 100
Social Justice Center
The Social Justice Center's mission is to serve as an inclusive space committed to social justice through education and collaboration envisioning a world where unique identities are valued, shared, and celebrated with love. The center wants to level the playing field and provide much needed access to all students, so they can be successful in their academic journey.
Call: 310-660-6435 or 310-660-3593 x3535
Location: Communications Building 204
Student Health Services
Student Health Services (SHS) at El Camino College is committed to providing excellent, comprehensive outpatient clinical care to promote and maintain the health and well-being of our students. We achieve this through a multi-disciplinary team approach comprised of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, clinical psychologists, a licensed chiropractor and office support staff.
Visit Student Health Services Website
Email: ECCStudentHealth@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-3643
Title IX Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities. El Camino College must comply with Title IX.
- Participation in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant. This means that you can still participate in advanced placement and honors classes, school clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities, and other activities, like after-school programs operated at the school.
- Participation in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant and does not require you to submit a doctor's note. Your school also must not require a doctor's note from you after you have been hospitalized for childbirth unless it requires a doctor's note from all students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.
- Reasonable adjustments, like a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing you to make frequent trips to the restroom, when necessary because of your pregnancy.
Visit Title IX Protections for Pregnant Students website
Visit El Camino College Title IX, Diversity, and Inclusion website
Email: titleixcoordinator@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-3813
Lactation Rooms at El Camino College
Lactation rooms are private spaces on campus that can be used by breastfeeding or lactating students and employees.
Rooms are located in various areas on campus including the following:
1. Student Services, 2nd Floor - Room 288 (Mothering Room) | Map Coordinates C-1
2. Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS), 1st Floor - Room 117 | Map Coordinates C-2
3. Fine Arts – Art Complex, 1st Floor - Room 122 | Map Coordinates C-2
4. Fine Arts– Art Complex, 2nd Floor - Room 229 | Map Coordinates C-2
El Camino College Lactation Room Map
Basic Needs Resources
Students have many responsibilities as they balance personal responsibilities with homework, class schedules, fees and books. This collection of resources is dedicated to providing El Camino College students with information on free and low-cost services in an effort to ease some of these pressures.
Visit Basic Needs Resources Website
Public Benefit Finder for California Students
Interested in learning about what public benefits you qualify for to make college more affordable? The Public Benefit Finder for California Students, developed by California Competes, is a user-friendly tool that makes it easy to access financial assistance and benefit programs. Whether you are looking for assistance with tuition, housing, or childcare, the Public Benefit Finder provides personalized recommendations for over 30 programs, as well as guidance on who is eligible, how to apply, and what benefits the program provides.
Visit California Competes - Public Benefit Finder for California Students Website
Email: info@californiacompetes.org
MAMA's Neighborhood - A Strong Start For Families! ( Prenatal Care)
MAMA’s Neighborhood is a prenatal program that provides up to 18 months of free, quality healthcare and support — while you’re pregnant, at delivery, and after you have your baby. A Care Coordinator who will work closely with you, your medical team of doctors, nurses, midwives and counselors; and will also help you find and connect to support services you want during your pregnancy and after you have your baby. Interested students must meet eligibility requirements.
Visit MAMA's Neighborhood Website
Email: mamas@dhs.lacounty.gov
Free Laundry Services
Laundry Love South Bay: Allows FREE laundry services for anyone in need. No one will be turned away and there are no income requirements. Quarters, soap, and dryer sheets will be provided as well. To see a list of locations, please
Visit Laundry Love Website
Call: 310-376-8989
Hours of Operation: The last Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm - 9:30pm (last load is accepted at 8:30pm)
Locations: Clean Scene Laundry 2301 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Career Support
ECC Career Center
Need help looking for a job? Wondering how to connect your interests to a career? El Camino's Career Services can help!
Visit Career Center Website
Call: 310-660-3593 x6137
South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Centers
South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Centers are a cooperative partnership of business, employment development, education, training, local government, public as well as non-profit organizations, committed to developing job skills, abilities and attitudes essential for participation in today's workplace. South Bay One-Stop takes great pride in the results that they have achieved and continuously strives to surpass their goals.
Visit Gardena One-Stop Website
Call: 310-538-7070
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Locations: 16801 South Western Ave., Gardena, CA 90247
Childcare/Early Childhood Education
MyChildCarePlan.org
MyChildCarePlan is a resource website for families looking to easily find affordable quality child care. Through partnerships with child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs) in every county in California, the website provides an easy to search directory of child care options and a simple glossary of child care programs, philosophies and terms.
Visit MyChildCarePlan.org
Email: info@mychildcareplan.org
Call: 1-800-543-7793
Crystal Stairs
Crystal Stairs is the largest child development service provider and advocate for families and child care providers in South Los Angeles. You may qualify for free or low-cost child care if you are a current cash aid recipient (CalWORKs/TANF), are experiencing homelessness, are part or eligible programs and/or are income eligible
Email: enroll@crystalstairs.org
Call: 323-421-1028
Torrance Tykes Preschool
The Torrance Tykes Preschool is a State sponsored Preschool Program that is offered for free to income-qualified families. Program classes are located on one of the following TUSD elementary campuses: Arlington, Arnold/LAUNCH, Carr, Lincoln, Torrance Elementary and Wood. Children must be 3 years old by December 1st to enroll and children that turn 4 years old by December 1st is given priority. The preliminary application for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! Enrollment must be completed via appointment.
Visit Torrance Tykes Preschool Website
Call: 310-972-6490
Torrance Loves Children (TLC)
Need child care while your child is sick? There are occasions when you cannot stay home with your sick child but want the comfort of knowing they are being cared for by compassionate, qualified healthcare professionals. You can entrust your child's care to Torrance Memorial's TLC. Their sick child care program is designed to provide working parents a comfortable and safe option for their mildly ill child. Registration is required. Visit the Torrance Memorial Medical Center TLC website for more information.
Visit Torrance Loves Children Website
Call: 310-517-4747
PACE Education
PACE Education’s Head Start and Early Head Start program serves low-income children (age: birth – 5 years) and their families. And it’s free! The program offers early childhood education and social services that help children get ready for success in school. Head Start also provides services to families and children who are homeless or in foster care, and to children with disabilities. Various locations are available in the South Bay and each site offers full-day and part-day programs. Apply and get more information by visiting the PACE education webpage.
Visit PACE Education Website
Call: 213-989-3244
Location: Main Office - 1055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1050 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Venice Family Clinic: Early Head Start Program
Venice Family Clinic Early Head Start is a high-quality federally funded program with comprehensive child development curriculum. The program provides the following comprehensive services: Child development and early childhood education, child health, safety and wellness, nutrition and dental services, connections to community services and resources, disabilities, wellness and mental health services, and more! It is free year-round program for families that are eligible!
Visit Venice Family Clinic Website
Call: 310-664-7536
Location: Center Address - 1055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1050 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Office Locations - 10318 S. Prairie Ave. Inglewood, CA 90303 & 2509 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405
Emergency/Temporary Assistance
Rainbow Services
Rainbow Services provides emergency shelter (Rainbow House) which gives safe, temporary housing to individuals and families who are experiencing violence in their homes, or who face homelessness due to domestic violence. Rainbow House is one of the few domestic violence shelters in Los Angeles which can accept families with a pet.
Visit Rainbow Services Website
Call: 24-hour hotline 310-548-5450
1736 Family Crisis Center
The 1736 Family Crisis Center provides comprehensive rehabilitative programs that are managed by licensed therapists, social workers, attorneys, and other professional staff. Men, women, children, and families can access life-saving support 24 hours a day through five shelters, five community service centers, various community-based offices, and co-locations and five crisis and suicide hotlines.
Visit 1736 Family Crisis Center Website
Call: 310-543-9900
Location: 21707 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 300 Torrance, CA 90503
St. Margaret’s Center
St. Margaret's Center is a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles Inc. and has served low-income and homeless families since 1987. The Center provides a comprehensive range of emergency and supportive services; advocacy, CalFresh, coordinated entry system, education services, emergency food, homeless support services, immigration services, recreation programs and utility bill assistance to individuals in the South Bay area. Geographic restrictions apply to some services. Students will be asked to fill out a form, on-site, in order to utilize the services.
Visit St. Margaret's Center Website
Call: 310-672-2208
Location: 10217 S Inglewood Ave, Inglewood, CA 90304
Safe Parking LA
Safe Parking LA provides safe overnight parking to facilitate stability and housing in Los Angeles County for individuals living in their vehicles, and advocates for fair and equitable treatment and resources for the unhoused. Individuals and families living in their vehicles can have an expedited path to housing through a system that opens doors.
Email: info@safeparkingla.org
Call: 323-210-3375
Location: 961 S. Mariposa Street, Los Angeles CA 90006
Housing
ECC Homeless Support
El Camino College provides referral services to students who are experiencing homelessness.
Visit Homeless Support Website
Torrance Housing Authority
Torrance Housing Authority has a Section 8 Rental Assistance Program which is a federally funded program which enables income eligible individuals, families, senior citizens, disabled and handicapped persons to reside in privately-owned, decent, safe and sanitary housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
Visit Torrance Housing Authority Website
Call: 310-618-5840
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Locations: 3031 Torrence Blvd. Torrence, CA 90503
Family Promise of the South Bay
Family Promise of the South Bay is an organization that provides shelter, stabilization, employment, and prevention programs for families experiencing homelessness. They partner with congregations and organizations in the community to provide space in their buildings to serve as temporary homes and offers children and youth programs, life-training skills, and case management..
Visit Family Promise of the South Bay Website
Email: office@familypromiseosb.org
Call: 310-782-8196
Location: 2930 El Dorado St. Torrance, CA 90503
Volunteers of America Los Angeles – Family Emergency Center
Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. They offer a 90-day emergency program for homeless families. The program is designed as a stepping-stone to permanent housing and employment. Residents receive weekly case management, employment search assistance, in-house mental health and counseling and other needed services.
Visit Volunteers of America Website
Email: info@voala.org
Call: 213-389-1550
Food & Groceries
Warrior Pantry
The Warrior Pantry offers healthy food items and toiletries to students to help them succeed in their classwork without distractions caused by food insecurity. The Pantry is currently offering drive-thru and walk-up distribution service.
Visit Warrior Pantry Website
Email: warriorpantry@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-3593 x3342
Hours of Operation: Summer 2024 Hours: Tuesdays 12:00pm - 5:00pm, Wednesdays, 10:00pm - 3:00pm, and
Thursdays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Stadium Room (above the bookstore)
Free Meals Finder | No Kids Hungry
Free Meals Finder is a website that helps individuals and families find food pantries in their surrounding area. By entering a zip code, individuals can find free, healthy meals being served by organizations in the community. Addresses are not used for any other purpose than to locate food assistance. Individuals can also find these resources by texting the word FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304.
Visit Free Meals Finder Website
Free Formula Exchange
The Free Formula Exchange is a nationwide mutual aid network connecting families who need baby formula to people who have formula to donate. Are you in need of baby formula? Their online tool is free and to use.
Visit the Free Formula Exchange Website
Aaron Community Cultural Center
The Aaron Community Cultural Center provides a range of services including free food distribution every Tuesday and every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Students must register in advance via phone. Food availability can vary each week.
Visit Aaron Community Cultural Center Website
Call: 1-800-527-4184
Food Pantry LAX
Food Pantry LAX distributes free groceries every Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:30am – 12:00pm. Visitors can stop by twice a week. Larger families can receive more food. The pantry also offers baby food, formula, diapers, toiletries, and feminine hygiene products to those who request them. There are no income requirements and ID is not required.
Call: 310-677-5597
Location: 355 E. Beach Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
Gardena Valley Assembly of God
The Gardena Valley Assembly of God provides food distribution services and transportation services to members of the community. The Bread Shed Volunteers ministry provides supplemental food for those in need every Sunday from 12:30pm - 1:30pm.
Email: Info@gvag.net
Call: 310-329-6933
Location: 1473 W. 182nd St. Gardena, CA 90248
Legal Aid
Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law
The Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law provides free legal consultation related to family law including custody, restraining orders, divorce, paternity, visitation, child support alimony, and domestic violence. Individuals who requests legal aid support must call the new client line to make an appointment Monday - Thursday, 10:30am – 12:30 pm.
Visit Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law Website
Call: 213-388-7515
Location: 3250 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 710 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) provides high-quality legal services for vulnerable communities through neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics. Legal services include help with restraining orders, divorce, child custody, child concealment, paternity, and child support as well as evictions and other housing issues, government benefits, immigration-related issues, expungement, and employment issues.
Visit Legal Aid Foundation Website
Call: 1-800-399-4529
Location: 601 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA) provides free immigration legal services and case support in various locations including El Camino College. There are on-campus locations serving students, faculty, and staff to ensure their rights and protections. The CHIRLA immigration attorneys and Department of Justice representatives at these locations provide culturally competent, reliable expertise with sensitivity to the trauma of immigrant communities. For El Camino College students to schedule an appointment visit webpage.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit CHIRLA Website
Call: 213-353-1333
Parents in Partnership
Having to seek out The Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services can be a traumatic experience for any family, and losing custody of a child is devastating. The Parents in Partnership program is a committed group of Parent Partners who have first-hand knowledge of this experience, and who know how overwhelming and stressful it is for families to understand their rights and responsibilities when working with DCFS.
Visit the LA DCFS Website
Call: 310-972-3133
Location: 2325 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501
This location serves: Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Palos Verdes Estates, Torrance, and the surrounding
communities. Visit the website for possible locations near you.
Find Your Ally
Find Your Ally is a website that helps students find immigration legal aid organizations within California Community Colleges. To find immigration visit the Find Your Ally Website.
Legal Aid Resource Handbook
A comprehensive legal aid resource guide for students residing in Los Angeles and surrounding counties.
Mental Health Services
ECC Student Health Services
El Camino College Student Health Services offers free psychological services to help
address emotional distress in a safe environment.
Visit SHS Mental Health Website
Email: ECCStudentHealth@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-3643
L.A. County Department of Mental Health Navigator Services
Offers assessments, case management, crisis intervention, medication support, peer support, psychotherapy and other rehabilitative services. The navigator service helps individuals and families find mental health and other supportive services, and community-based organizations in their area. Enter your address, city or zip code to find the nearest locations.
Visit LA Department of Mental Health Website
Richstone Family Center
Provides a range of family services including mental health and trauma treatment programs that help participants out of crisis. Offers individual, family, and group therapy that meets the unique needs of each child and family. The center also offers skill building and wellness classes that teach positive communication skills and coping strategies.
Visit Richstone Family Center Website
Call: 310-970-1921
Location: 13634 Cordary Ave Hawthorne, CA 90250
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Offers a variety of mental health services including child and family programs. Provides outpatient mental health services for children and teens from birth to 21 years of age and their families. Bilingual therapists at each site provide services including individual, group and family therapy, case management, parent education and medication management when needed.
Visit Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Website
Call: 1-888-807-7250
Financial Assistance
Financial Aid
The El Camino College Financial Aid office helps students and families find ways to pay for college fees, books, supplies, and transportation. They can point you to potential aid sources, give advice on managing your aid, and offer tools to help you understand your overall fees.
Visit the Financial Aid Website
Email: eccfaid@elcamino.edu
Location: Student Services Building 248 & 229
The California Abundant Birth Project
The California Abundant Birth Project (CA ABP) is a guaranteed income program that provides cash during pregnancy (8 - 27 weeks pregnant). It was developed by Expecting Justice and the community to make birthing healthier and safer for the people facing the greatest risk during their pregnancy journey. CA ABP provides cash with no strings attached as a strategy to prevent stress during pregnancy. By providing unconditional cash, mamas have resources to support themselves and their families, and babies have the chance at a healthy start. Interested students must meet eligibility requirements listed on website and complete and online application.
Visit The California Abundant Birth Project Website
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women (Cash Grants)
Soroptimist International Manhattan Beach is a global volunteer organization of professional business women that provides women and girls access to education and training. Their Live Your Dream award is a cash grant award that is open to eligible El Camino College college students who are primary providers for their families, are enrolled in college, vocational, and/or trade school, do not hold a graduate degree, and who demonstrate a financial need. Applications will open August 1. 2024.
Visit the Soroptimist International Manhattan Beach Website to Apply
Raise The Barr Emergency Grant
Raise The Barr provides emergency grants of up to $1,000 to help stabilize single-parent students and their families who have experienced an unforeseen financial need that jeopardizes the scholars’ ability to remain in school. The Emergency Grant Coordinator (EGC) conducts a thorough intake interview with applicants in order to assist with navigational resources and assess whether an emergency grant will help stabilize the family. Applicant must have financial hardship resulting from an unexpected incident that will be resolved with a grant of $1,000 or less.
Visit the Raise the Barr Emergency Grant Website
ECC Foundation Scholarship
El Camino College students were awarded more than 650 scholarships totaling over $880,000 in 2022. Students can apply to the diverse array of ECC scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks.
Visit ECC Scholarships Website
Email: scholarships@elcamino.edu
Call: 310-660-6542
ECC Laptop Loan
The Equipment Loan Program at El Camino College provides technology including laptops and calculators at no cost to students. Students interested in receiving a laptop loan should visit the Library Lobby. All technology is on a first come, first serve basis.
Visit ECC Loan Program Website
Email: lrc@elcamino.edu
Call: 213-660-3593 x3880
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 6:00pm
LIFT - Los Angeles
LIFT is a non-profit organization that provides financial, educational, and employment coaching models to help parents increase income, decrease debt, and build savings. Parents work directly with a LIFT coach to create a personalized plan that accounts for the time and expenses required to raise a family while taking personal steps toward a degree or higher-paying job. Through training and workshops provided by LIFT parents can become financially savvy, learn how to find and secure well-paying jobs, and pursue an education that opens doors to greater economic advancement.
Visit LIFT Website
Email: losangeles@whywelift.org
Call: 213-744-9468
Location: 1910 Magnolia Ave. Suite 404, Los Angeles, CA 90007
CashCourse: Your Real-Life Money Guide
CashCourse is a free online financial education resource designed to help college students take control of their financial futures. The website provides financial literacy courses through instructor assignments or self-study and provides the skills and knowledge necessary to handle new financial decisions and challenges.
Priority Registration
Parents get priority! Under the new Assembly Bill 2281, California is now the first state to require all UC’s, CSU’s, and California Community Colleges to provide priority registration for parenting students beginning July 1, 2023! Eligible parenting students are those who have a child or children under 18 years of age who will receive more than half of their support from that student.
To learn more about new parenting student rights and protection under AB 2881, please visit the Pregnant Scholar Website.
Additional Resources
211
This is a confidential service that connects individuals to free resources such as food, clothing, shelter, counseling or medical care, in their local area. Simply dial “211” from any phone or visit https://211la.org/.
Questions? Contact Us
CARE Program
Student Services Building 227
careinfo@elcamino.edu
310-660-6066
CalWORKs Program
Student Services Building 227
calworksinfo@elcamino.edu
310-660-6057