California Department of Education (CDE) Programs - CalWORKs Stage 2 (C2AP), CalWORKs Stage 3 (C3AP), Alternative Payment, and Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN)

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides child care financial assistance to low income families who qualify.  You may be eligible to receive funding for part or all of your child care costs if you meet the eligibility requirements and if funding is available.  All required information must be verified by CCRC staff before you receive child care financial assistance.

Enrolling in a CDE Program

CalWORKs Stage 2 (C2AP) - In order to qualify for Stage 2, you must meet the eligibility requirements and have at least one eligible need for child care services.

1.  Eligibility Requirements

• You are a current cash aid / TANF recipient or have been terminated from cash aid within the last 24 months.
• Your family's adjusted monthly income, based upon family size, is at or below 75% of the state median income.
• Your family includes a child under the age of 13 or a child with an approved special need.

2.  Need Requirements (You must have at least one.)

• You are currently employed/self-employed.
• You are currently in school or training.
• You are currently seeking employment.
• You are currently incapacitated.
• You are seeking permanent housing.
• You have a Child Protective Services (CPS) or at-risk referral.

CalWORKs Stage 3 (C3AP) - If funding is available, CCRC moves a Stage 2 family into CalWORKs Stage 3 (C3AP) after the Stage 2 parents has been terminated from cash aid for 24 months.  If no funding is available, the family will be terminated.  In order to qualify for Stage 3 child care services, you must meet all of the eligibility requirements and have at least one eligible need.

1.  Eligibility Requirements

• You are a former cash aid / TANF recipient who has not received cash aid within the last 24 months, and you are transferring from CalWORKs Stage 1 or Stage 2.
• Your family's adjusted monthly income, based upon family size, is at or below 75% of the state median income.
• Your family includes a child under the age of 13 or a child with special needs.

2.  Need Requirements (You must have at least one.)

• You are currently employed/self-employed.
• You are currently in school or training.
• You are currently seeking employment.
• You are currently incapacitated.
• You are seeking permanent housing.
• You have a Child Protective Services (CPS) or at-risk referral.

Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) - CCRC enrolls families from the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) in the Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) during an open enrollment period.  In order to qualify for CAPP child care services, you must meet the eligibility requirements and have at least one eligible need.

1.  Eligibility Requirements

• Your family includes a child under the age of 13 or a child with an approved special need and one of the following:
  • Your family's adjusted monthly income, based upon family size, is at or below 75% of the state median income.
  • Child Protective Services (CPS) or At-Risk Services referred your family.
  • Your family is homeless.

2.  Need Requirements (You must have at least one.)

• You are currently employed/self-employed.
• You are currently in school or training.
• You are currently seeking employment.
• You are currently incapacitated.
• You are seeking permanent housing.
• You have a Child Protective Services (CPS) or at-risk referral.

Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) - The Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) program emphasizes early learning and a high quality child care environment in a licensed and approved family child care home.  Before a child care provider can be part of FCCHEN, CCRC Child and Family Education Specialists review the program to see if it meets standards and requirements set forth by the California Department of Education (CDE).  A program that includes religious instruction during the child care day may not be approved for FCCHEN funding.

To be included in the FCCHEN program, a provider must be willing to collaborate with Child and Family Education Specialists in meeting program goals and in completing child assessments.  FCCHEN serves eligible families with children ages 0-5.  You must meet the following eligibility requirements and have one qualifying need.

1.  Eligibility Requirements

• Your family's adjusted monthly income, based upon family size, is at or below 75% of the state median income.
• You have a child age 0-5.  If you have a qualifying child, older siblings under age 13 (or if a child has an eligible special need) may also participate.  Once the eligible child (youngest) turns six or enters Kindergarten, whichever comes first, CCRC will terminate child care services for all children in your family.
• You agree to use only FCCHEN approved child care providers.
• Child Protective Services (CPS) or At-Risk Services referred your family.
• Your family is homeless.

2.  Need Requirements (You must have at least one.)

• You are currently employed/self-employed.
• You are currently in school or training.
• You are currently seeking employment.
• You are currently incapacitated.
• You are seeking permanent housing.
• You have a Child Protective Services (CPS) or at-risk referral.

For more information regarding California Department of Education child care financial assistance programs, please review CCRC's Parent Handbook or call us at (818) 717-1000.