Child Care Eligibility List (CCEL) Overview

What is subsidize child care? Financial assistance is sometimes available to low-income families to help cover part or all of their child care costs, depending on the family's financial status and need for services. Targeted funding in the form of payments to child care providers is available to help parents within Contra Costa County and often has strict eligibility guidelines.

How do families apply for subsidized child care? Families must submit an application to place their name on the Child Care Council Eligibility List for the child care program(s) that best meet the needs of their family. When funding becomes available or a subsidized program has an opening, families will be contacted in priority order. Those with the lowest income have priority and are called first; not those who have been waiting the longest. Families do not automatically receive subsidized child care just by submitting an application. Please Note: if you would prefer your child enrolled into any of the Subsidized Centers listed on the back of this sheet, please call them directly to be placed on their waiting list as they maintain their own waiting lists.

Step One - Establish Income Eligibility: To be eligible, families must meet income requirements based on family size (see below). The California Department of Education establishes the definition of income based on a family's "gross" or total earnings before taxes and benefits are deducted. Each family member's wages/salaries, self-employment income, child support, spousal support, Cash Aid (TANF or CalWORKs), worker's compensation, disability insurance payments, Unemployment, Pensions or annuities, Veteran's benefits are all considered part of the family's total earnings.

Family Size/Maximum Gross Monthly Income

Step Two - Establish Need for Services: Families must have a need for child care for one or more of the following reasons: working, looking for work, attending school or in training, medically incapacitated and unable to care for the child for part of the day. Children receiving a child and family services referral or are at child at risk of abuse or neglect may have first priority (if funding is available).

Should a family fill out a new application each time there is a change in the family's information? No, it is not necessary to fill out a new application. However, it is required that families notify the Child Care Council in order to update any changes to family size, income, address, telephone number, etc.

Is the Eligibility List a waiting list?No. The Eligibility List is maintained for our subsidized programs, and determines which families should be served first when a space becomes available. The Eligibility List is based on factors determined by the State and includes: income, family size, and other needs. The Eligibility List maintained for our program is not administered on a first-come, first-served basis - the amount of time that a family has been waiting does not determine who will be served first. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a family will receive assistance through a subsidized child care program.

Are there any exceptions?Yes, families who have been on Cash Aid in the last two years, and who meet the above income and need guidelines may apply directly for services by calling 925-676-5442 Ext 4600.