At Mills, we take pride in the diversity of our students and understand that every student faces unique circumstances that can make support and resources necessary for success. We're committed to helping students on campus who are raising children while engaged in undergraduate and graduate course work. We recognize that supporting student-parents strengthens our community and assists generations of Mills families who create change at home and in the world. As part of our dedication to student-parent success, we have provided some important college and community resources below.
Mills shares its campus with several school/childcare locations. Of these programs, only the Children’s School is part of Mills. We have provided some general details below. Students should contact each school for individual programs.
The Mills College Children’s School (MCCS) opened in 1926 at Mills College as a laboratory school for teachers. Today, Mills students learn about progressive educational practices that focus on the whole child, including the social, emotional, academic, and physical aspects of education. The school offers four programs: Infant/Toddler, Younger Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and K–5 Elementary. The MCCS provides special scholarships for Mills students who wish to enroll their children at MCCS, as well as other financial aid opportunities.
The Julia Morgan School for Girls is the first and only all-girls middle school in the East Bay.
Las Semillitas Cooperative Preschool is a Spanish immersion preschool started by a group of bilingual families working together to build strong relationships with peers, family, culture, and community.
Mills Pantry
The Mills Pantry is an on-campus food pantry dedicated to making food accessible to all Mills students as they pursue their degrees. You can access the pantry in CPM 103 during its open hours by providing your Mills ID at the front desk to check in. You are welcome to choose any items that meet your needs. Open hours are subject to change each semester, so please check the student forum or see hours posted on the pantry door to confirm open hours for your current semester. For more information about the Mills Pantry, please email foodaccess@mills.edu.
Underwood Family Housing
The Underwood Apartments are our on-campus housing option for students with families. Each apartment has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, and an eat-in kitchen. The apartments house up to four individuals. There can be two adults and two children, or one adult and three or fewer children. You can apply via the Underwood Apartments Waiting List Application (PDF).
The Parenting Lounge
The Parenting Lounge in Rothwell Center provides student-parents and children a space on campus where children can comfortably relax and play, and student-parents can engage in their studies and build community. The Parenting Lounge includes a breastfeeding nook for nursing parents as well as a refrigerator, television equipped with Netflix, a toy station, and supplies for kids' arts and crafts. The Parenting Lounge also features a comfortable couch and desk for studying.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Our counseling and psychological services (CAPS) assists students in gaining access to counseling, workshops, and referrals. Through CAPS, you can also receive up to eight free counseling sessions with trained and professional counselors from varied ethnic, educational, and experiential backgrounds. You can make an appointment by visiting the Cowell Building, or you can call 510.430.2111, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am–1:00 pm and 2:00 pm–5:00 pm. If you don’t feel comfortable scheduling in person or over the phone, you can email counseling@mills.edu. Please note, this email is only to be used for non-urgent concerns related to information or scheduling.
Vera Whole Health Center
Vera Whole Health is an on-campus health center that works with students no matter their insurance and provides free services such as pap smears, flu shots, urgent care, primary care, and health coaching. These services are for students only. To schedule an appointment, call 510.671.3985 Monday–Friday between 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
Student Access and Support Services
Our Student Access and Support Services (SASS) works to assist students with either temporary or permanent physical, psychological, health, learning, or sensory disabilities on campus. If you are a parent with children who become ill during a testing period such as midterms or finals, SASS can accommodate you with a private room to take your test with your child. If you would like to discuss support options please contact sass@mills.edu.
Changing Table Map: Coming Soon
Children in Classroom Policy: Mills is in the process of developing a policy to guide students and faculty on children in classrooms. This policy will be posted online when finalized.
Through the Associated Students of Mills College (ASMC), student-parents can apply for special grants to assist them during their time at Mills. Through a program called the Student-Parent Support Program, student-parents can apply for meal grants, book grants, and emergency funds once each semester. Please contact the ASMC Student Services Chair at asmcstudentservices@mills.edu for more information.
Below is a list of local childcare resources that may aid you in your search:
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low incomes and provides economic benefits to communities. CalFresh is the largest food program in California and provides an essential hunger safety net. To learn more, visit the CalFresh website and use their online application service, getcalfresh.org. Or call their info line at 1.877.847.3663.
The Alameda County Women, Infants & Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) is a national nutrition education program that promotes healthy eating. Clients get nutrition advice, help with breastfeeding, and referrals to other community services. They also get special checks to buy healthy food items such as fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, whole grains, cereals, pure juice, and eggs. Studies show that clients who get WIC have healthier pregnancies and healthier children. To schedule an appointment or check your eligibility, call their office at 510.595.6400.
Need help finding housing, navigating the East Bay, or any other additional type of support? Please contact our wellness manager jpierce@mills.edu or our student support coordinator lgonzale@mills.edu.