Paying for child care isn’t easy. The average cost of child care can reach over ten thousand dollars per child per year. But without it, you’re constantly depending on family and friends to help out, or missing work or school.
Low-income families, or those who are currently receiving or have received CalWORKS cash aid assistance within the last 24 months may be eligible for free or reduced cost child care services.
Assistance is available to families who live or work in San Diego County, meet our income and need requirements. Services for children ages 0-13 years or children with exceptional needs under 21 years of age.
Be able to afford the essential child care your family needs to thrive
Pick what works best for you and your family—a child care home, licensed center, or a trusted friend or relative
Develop stability while you work or complete your education, so you can create a better life for you and your family
One of our friendly team members will help you apply and enroll for services
Enroll an eligible provider that best suits your family’s needs
CDA will authorize your child care schedule and the maximum reimbursement amount to your provider
Your child starts care and continues to receive care for 12 months
Attendance records are submitted to CDA monthly for provider reimbursement
CDA pays your provider monthly on your behalf
If you have not received CalWORKs cash aid in the last 24 months, but meet one of the following eligibility criteria, you are eligible to receive services when an opening occurs:
If you are eligible for the program, your family must meet one of these need criteria:
“I am very grateful for this program. Honestly don’t know what I would do without it. Being a single mother is not easy and this program not only helps me keep a roof over my son’s head but also helps him receive the education he deserves. Thank you CDA.”
– CDA Alternative Payment Program Parent
Variable schedules are reimbursed for the actual care hours provided that are within the hours authorized. The reimbursement will not exceed the amount billed by the provider or the full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) RMRC listed on the certificate for child care services. CDA will not reimburse for child absences, provider holiday or closure days on a variable schedule. If the full billed/invoiced amount is not paid, the parent is responsible for the difference directly to the provider.
The number of reimbursable provider holidays and/or non-operation days is limited to a maximum of 10 days per fiscal year. Once these allowable limits are exceeded, reimbursement will be prorated for future closure days.
Fees for registration, material and/or insurance may be reimbursed if the current reimbursement amount does not exceed the Regional Market Rate Ceiling (RMRC). Reimbursement of these fees is limited to one (1) per child, per fiscal year and will be made in a single payment when requested on the child’s attendance record.
Note: For providers with programs that have multiple fees in one year or where it has been determined that the reimbursement amount exceeds the RMRC, the excess fees will be the responsibility of the parent.
When child care is authorized for a total of 30 or more hours per week the Full Time Weekly RMRC will be used. When childcare is authorized for a total of less than 30 hours per week the Part Time Hourly RMRC will be used.
