There are many different subsidized child care programs in California. This list will tell you a bit about what the program offers for children and families, as well as who is eligible for the services. And here, you can find out more about how to qualify for child care assistance.

California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

Description:

• Educational activities for children 
• Meals and snacks to children
• Parent education, referrals to health and social services for families.

Income Eligibility: Up to 100% of the State median income (based on family size)

Family Need: None for part-day program. Must show family need for full day program

Ages of children served: 3- & 4- year olds

Location of services: Child care centers

General Child Care and Development Program (CCTR)

Description:

• Educational activities for children

• Meals and snacks to children
• Parent education, referrals to health and social services for families.

Income Eligibility: Up to 85% of the State median income (based on family size)

Family Need: Must show family need.

Ages of children served: Birth to 12 years. 

Location of services: Child care centers and family child care home networks.

Migrant Child Care and Development Program (CMIG)

Description: 

• Educational activities for children.
• Meals and snacks to children.
• Parent Education, referrals to health and social services for families.

Income Eligibility: Up to 85% of the State median income (based on family size). 50% of income from employment in fishing, agriculture, or agriculturally related work during the twelve-month period immediately preceding their application date.

Family Need: Migrant family – Must show family need.

Ages of children served: Birth to 12 years.

Location of services: Child care centers and family child care home networks.

Migrant Alternative Payment Program (CMAP)

Description: 

• Voucher to choose different child care programs as families move from place to place for agricultural work. You can apply to this program in agencies located in Central California.

Income Eligibility: Up to 85% of the State median income (based on family size). 50% of income from employment in fishing, agriculture or agriculturally related work during the twelve month period immediately preceding their application date.

Family Need: Migrant family – Must show family need.

Ages of children served: Birth to until 13th birthday.

Location of services: Parents choose child care centers, family child care homes, or care with a family member, friend or neighbor.

Alternative Payment Program (CAPP)

Description: 

• Voucher to choose the child care that best meets family’s needs.

Income Eligibility: Up to 85% of the State median income (based on family size)

Family Need: Must show family need.

Ages of children served: Birth to until their 13th birthday. Children age 13 and older with special needs may be served if they have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and a letter from a licensed professional stating adult supervision in a child care setting is needed.

Location of services: Parents choose child care centers, family child care homes, or care with family, friend or neighbor.

CalWORKS Child Care

Description: 

• Voucher to choose the child care that best meets family’s needs.

Income Eligibility: Stage 1: Receiving cash aid; Stage 2: Family now stable; Stage 3: Up to 85% of the State median income (based on family size).

Family Need: Receiving cash aid or have received cash aid.

Ages of children served: Birth to 12 years. Older children with special needs may be served with an Individualized Educational Plan. 

Location of services: Parents choose child care centers, family child care homes, or care with a family, friend or neighbor.

California State Program for Severely Disabled Children (CHAN)

Description: 

• Instruction for children with exceptional needs.
• Meals and snacks to children.
• Parent education, referrals to health and social services for families.

Income Eligibility: None

Family Need: None – severely disabled children such as autism, blindness, deafness, severe orthopedic impairments, serious emotional disturbances, or severe intellectual disabilities.

Ages of children served: Birth to 21 years.

Location of services: Child care centers.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Description:

• Early learning for children
• Health screening, healthy meals and other services to parents.

(You can apply at an agency in your community.)

Income Eligibility: Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Foster children are eligible regardless of foster family income. Families receiving public assistance benefits, such as, CalWORKs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), CalFresh – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Family Need: None

Ages of children served: Early Head Start – infants to 2 years. Head Start 3-4 years.

Location of services: Child care centers, family child care homes, some home-based services.

After School Education and Safety and 21st Century Programs

Description:

• Before and/or after school enrichment programs that occur on school sites.
• Schools and local community resources work together.

Income Eligibility: None.

Family Need: None.

Ages of children served: Kindergarten – 9th grade.

Location of services: School sites, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Parks and Rec and other similar places.

Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children (Bridge Program)

Description:

• The Bridge Program addresses child care needs as a barrier for families otherwise willing to bring a child in the foster care system into their home, and for parenting youth in the foster care system.
• It provides time limited vouchers for child care and child care navigator services for families to assist with accessing child care.

Ages of children served: Children in the foster care system birth through age 12, and for youth with exceptional needs up to age 21.

Location of services: centers, family child care homes, and license-exempt providers.