California Alternative Payment (CalWORKs Stage 1/2/3 and CAPP) Child Care

About This Program

California administers multiple child care subsidy programs including Alternative Payment (AP) programs, CalWORKs Stage 1-3 child care, and California Preschool programs. Administered through local Resource & Referral agencies and county social services, these programs help low-income working families pay for licensed care. Families choose their own provider from certified or licensed facilities.

Subsidy covers portion of childcare costs based on income; family pays sliding-scale co-payment

Key Details

• State program administered under federal CCDF block grant
• Eligibility: At or below 85% State Median Income; parent must be working, in school, or in approved training
• Families choose their own licensed child care provider
• Subsidy paid directly to provider; family pays income-based co-payment
• Apply through your county/local social services office

How to Apply

Deadline: Rolling — year-round applications