Financial assistance for child care

Did you know that you might qualify for financial assistance to offset the cost of child care? Qualified families can receive funding that can be applied to the parent's choice of child care.

To qualify, parents/guardians must demonstrate a need for services (such as employment or seeking employment, going to school, etc.) and meet eligibility criteria. Whether you need child care weekdays or weekends, day or night, financial assistance is available for the child care of your choice, including:

Child care centers;
Family child care homes;
Family, friend, or neighbor.

Unsure of what type of care you would best fit your family? We can help you determine the best type of care to fit your family's needs, and we can provide free child care referrals*.

The chart to the right provides guidelines for income eligibility, but we encourage you to complete the online inquiry form so a staff member can assist with determining your eligibility.

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Please share this flyer with family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors who may benefit from financial assistance for child care. Thank you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO APPLY

How do I apply for child care financial assistance?

APPLICATION PROCESS

How long is the waiting period after I apply?

What must I do after I apply?

How will I know if funding is available for my admission priority criteria?

What will I need to complete my application?

How soon will I receive a response after I provide the proper documentation and information?

IMPORTANT QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

What are the income limits?

Eligibility based on income is determined when a family’s countable monthly gross income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) for their family size income or if the family is experiencing homelessness, has a child who is receiving Child Protective Services, or has a child who has been identified as being at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Families remain eligible as long as their income does not exceed 85% of the SMI. You may reference the current income limits listed in the chart to the right.

What is considered a “need” for child care services?

What is the age requirement for my children?

What type of child care is required for financial assistance?

Once certified for services, you will receive a child care voucher to obtain the type of care for your child of your choice. Parental choice of care may include center-based child care, a family child care home, or a licensed-exempt family member, friend, or neighbor. The voucher has a set dollar amount that allows the family to choose and pay for licensed or exempt child care that meets the needs of the child and the family.

Licensed-exempt providers may be required to complete a background check. You can learn more about the steps to pass this background check on our TrustLine webpage.

What if I do not currently have a child care provider?

Will the provider I choose be considered an employee of Options for Learning, and will the child care financial assistance be considered income?

What are the limits for child care payments?

Will I have a shared cost if I qualify?

How long is financial assistance offered if I qualify?

*Free child care referrals:

Up to 15 referrals (average is three to 10) will be given based on the child care information entered.
Referrals are generated randomly by the database.
Please be advised that our program provides referrals, not recommendations.
Child care referrals within our service area will be provided: Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Duarte, El Monte, La Canada, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Monrovia, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South El Monte, South Pasadena, Temple City, and Whittier.