Financial assistance for child care
Did you know that California legislators have provided a historical amount of funding for child care for qualified families? Options for Learning is in the process of screening families who may qualify for subsidized child care services.
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 monthly income limits to qualify were recently increased, making more families eligible for funding. The chart to the right provides guidelines, but we encourage you to complete the online inquiry form so a staff member can assist with determining your eligibility.
The monthly income limits to qualify were recently increased, making more families eligible for funding. The chart to the right provides guidelines, but we encourage you to complete the online inquiry form so a staff member can assist with determining your eligibility.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO APPLY
How do I apply for child care financial assistance?
The process to start your application can be completed in less than 10 minutes. All we need to get started is your basic family information.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How long is the waiting period after I apply?
Though funding is available, we are processing application inquiries and prioritizing each response in accordance with each family’s specific admission priority criteria. Your family’s admission priority is determined by your family’s monthly gross income, family size, and/or status of public cash assistance.
What must I do after I apply?
You will need to keep us updated with your most current contact information, family size, and gross monthly countable* income.
*Total countable income means all income of the individuals counted in the family size adjusted for non-countable income, such as self-employment expenses, per regulations.
How will I know if funding is available for my admission priority criteria?
You will receive a letter and/or email asking you to respond to confirm your need, eligibility, and admission priority for enrollment.
What will I need to complete my application?
You will need to provide documentation to verify your need and eligibility for services. Documentation includes income verification, birth records for all children included in the family size, proof of residence, and information about your child care provider selection.
How soon will I receive a response after I provide the proper documentation and information?
After you provide all the information required, you will receive a response for approval or denial of services within 30 calendar days.
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?
To qualify, parents/guardians must demonstrate a need for services, such as being employed or seeking employment, attending educational or vocational training, being incapacitated, seeking permanent housing, experiencing homelessness, receiving services from child protective services, and/or being deemed at risk.
What is the age requirement for my children?
Children must be between the ages of 0-12. Children with documented exceptional needs may receive services up to the age of 21.
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?
Our Resource and Referral Department is available to assist you with licensed child care provider referrals.
Will the provider I choose be considered an employee of Options for Learning, and will the child care financial assistance be considered income?
No. All child care providers must complete documentation, including a W-9, and will be issued a 1099 NEC (non-employee IRS form) for child care reimbursements issued on your behalf.
What are the limits for child care payments?
Child care payments follow the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings and limitations set by the California Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division, and are based on provider type, child’s age, and the certified need for services.
Will I have a shared cost if I qualify?
Family fees may be applicable depending on your family’s monthly gross income and family size. As applicable, family fees are determined based on the child who has been in care the longest. However, family fees are currently waived through June 30, 2023.
Also, child care providers may charge co-payments when their child care rates are above the RMR ceiling.
How long is financial assistance offered if I qualify?
Once your family is certified for services, you will receive services for no less than 12 months and will have the right to access child care for the days and hours certified during your certification period, regardless of changes in need.
*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.
Call us at 888-247-0481 for more information to or to apply.
