Free Childcare Available to You
Currently enrolled students may be eligible for free childcare at either Mission College or West Valley College. It’s part of our District’s commitment to supporting student success by removing financial barriers to high-quality education.
The Child Development Centers at both colleges foster an environment of respect and understanding that supports the development of the whole child. They accomplish this through low adult-child ratios, highly educated teachers, play-based developmentally appropriate learning, and a focus on diversity.
What Students Say
Because of this access to free childcare, my academic performance has qualified me for a guaranteed transfer to UCSC in the fall of 2025. With the tuition assistance I've received for my children, I achieved my short-term academic goals and grew larger long-term goals. I am truly grateful for this program and hope to be able to pay it forward one day.
We are a very low-income family, and one parent is disabled. The fact that we don’t have to worry about childcare costs has allowed for less stress on me so I can focus more on my studies. I am extremely thankful for all I have been given from my children attending the CDC and for all my children receive every day from their experience at the CDC. I am now transferring to UCLA this fall as a result of all the time I’m able to use to pursue my dreams and the support I am given from the teachers and staff involved in the Mission College Child Development Center.
- Family income shall be less than $168,500 annually.
- Student shall enroll in at least 9 units with an Ed Plan*
- Students shall maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA
- Non-credit students shall enroll in at least 9 hours per week with an Ed Plan*
- District employees and their children are not eligible for the program.
*Students taking less than 9 units will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that a family is defined as a parent and child(ren), or both parents and child(ren) if the parents are married. If you live with your parents, friends, or relatives, their salaries are not considered family income.
The District retains the sole discretion to make the final determination of qualification for the free childcare program based on the above criteria and other factors.
The District has two Child Development Centers. The West Valley College CDC serves children 2 to 6 years old. The Mission College CDC serves children 6 weeks to 6 years old. We provide consistent full-time and part-time care Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Enrollment priority is as follows:
- Siblings of existing students who already qualify for free childcare
- Students who qualify for Title 5 childcare tuition assistance
- Active military students
- Students with 9 or more units and an ed plan
- Community
To be considered for free childcare, please submit a preliminary application.
The timeline from application to enrollment will vary depending on whether there are immediate openings or if a waitlist currently exists.
To get started, submit an application. The Child Development Center will do a prescreen to determine if you are likely eligible for free childcare. Once you are determined to be eligible, you’ll be contacted to begin the enrollment process.
In addition to the application, you may be asked for:
- Class schedule
- Child’s birth certificate
- Family’s income for the past 30 days – paycheck stubs reflecting 30 days of income
- Current Tax Returns Summary Page
- Court Orders (if they affect the child in childcare)
- Child’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Program (IEP), if applicable