Resources for Parenting Students
MCC's Support & Empowerment Program
The Support & Empowerment Program (SEP) at MCC is under Success Coaching Services. The program "promotes student success by providing emotional, academic, and financial support to McLennan Community College students who meet the definition of special populations according to the Carl Perkins Basic Grant." sep@mclennan.edu
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Texas
Care Net provides free diapers, wipes, formula, classes, and referrals. Care Net has Parents on the Move (P.O.M.) program to help individual achieve their goals in education, employment, medical costs, housing, childcare, and transportation.
800 W Waco Dr, Waco, TX 76701, (254) 772-8270
Catholic Charities of Central Texas
St. Gabriel's Pregnancy and Parenting Program provides education, parental support, and material assistance for pregnant women and families in need.
(512) 651-6100
MCH Family Outreach
"MCH Family Outreach Center in Waco offers family preservation services through its community services program. Services are designed to help meet the needs of families with one or more children between the ages of 0 to 17. Whether it is illness, conflict, school difficulties, or parenting challenges, families facing these situations can turn to the professional caring staff at MCH Family Outreach in Waco."
(254) 750-1263, Monique Hoskins, mhoskins@mch.org
Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions Child Care Services
Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions Child Care Services offers financial assistance for parents who are working or going to school.
(254) 296-5200
EOAC Head Start/Early Head Start
The EOAC Head Start 0-5 program is available at no cost to families with children between the ages of 6 weeks up to 5 years who have a household income that falls within the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (see below) Families with children in these age groups who are homeless, in foster care (including Child Protective Services), who have disabilities, and other special needs are also eligible.
(254) 753-0331
Parents as Teachers Program
"Waco ISD Parents as Teachers is a free parent education and family support program serving mothers, fathers, and guardians who have children who are prenatal and up until the child enrolls in school. It is the goal of the WISD Parent Educators to support the parent or guardian in fulfilling the role as their child's first and most important teacher."
Anita Henderson (English) 254-755-9473 ext. 2181
Pauli Ramos (Spanish) 254-755-9473 ext. 7815
Cathy Guardiola (254-755-9473 ext. 7176
H.O.P.E.S. Waco - Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support
H.O.P.E.S. is a "free support program for parents and caregivers of children ages 0-5 in McLennan County. By supporting early childhood development with education, resources and community connections, HOPES aims to strengthen families and provide a foundation for long-term healthy development in children."
(254) 732-0482
Klaras Center for Families
"The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) provides comprehensive Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health services through the Klaras Center for Families (KCF) -- in the most trauma-sensitive, culturally sensitive, safe healing environment. We are consistently looking for ways to improve the level of services we provide while developing programming that addresses the needs of a culturally diverse population and providing additional services and supports for suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, bullying prevention, and mentoring, as well as the utilization of peer providers and the inclusion of youth and family voices."
Early Childhood Intervention (254) 297-7088
Children/Adolescent Behavioral Health (254) 752-7889
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (254) 757-3933
For a list of childcare centers in the Waco area, you can visit:
Last Updated: 09/15/23