March 13, 2019

CDA Enrolls 524 Children Who Have Been Waiting For Child Care Services

Press Release: CDA enrolls 524 children who have been waiting for child care services

Bonita, CA, March 13, 2019 – In San Diego County, the cost of living for a family with two working parents can be over $77,223 annually according to the California Budget and Policy Center. Child care services alone can cost over 20% of a family’s monthly income- the second highest expense after housing[1]. As a result, without access to high-quality, affordable, and reliable child care services, parents face difficult choices about where to leave their children while they work or go to school. The California Alternative Payment Program provides subsidized child care services to low-income families through a variety of child care settings, maximizing parental choice.

In October 2018, Child Development Associates (CDA) was granted additional funding from the California Department of Education to enroll 524 children of low-income working parents who have been waiting for child care services but did not qualify to receive services through the CalWORKs child care funding.

“I waited over a year for child care services. The services that I am receiving from CDA have been a tremendous help. I was paying over $10,000 a year for child care for my two granddaughters. It was difficult to make ends meet, especially when I am the only one financially supporting them.”– Guardian parent in CDA’s APP

Affordable child care is essential for the financial stability of low-income families and the healthy development of their children. Today, CDA provides child care services to more than 8,190 children in collaboration with 1,800 child care providers.

“The additional funds allowed us to help an additional 524 children, however, we recognize there is still a large unmet need for affordable child care in San Diego County and we ask state policy makers to continue to expand funding for families in need.” –Rick Richardson, CDA’s President and CEO.

Despite recent funding increases, the state’s child care programs are struggling to climb back to pre-recession budget numbers, nearly $250 million short since FY 2007-08 after adjusting for inflation[2]. More than 1.2 million eligible children across California are still waiting for child care services[3].

ABOUT CDA:

Child Development Associates (CDA) is a community based, non-profit agency that has been providing child care and development services throughout San Diego County since 1974. At CDA, we believe in creating opportunities for families to prosper. Every day, we provide low income families access to high-quality early education so children can better succeed in school and life, affordable child care so parents can work or complete their education, and nutritious meals so children grow healthy bodies.

[1] https://calbudgetcenter.org/resources/making-ends-meet-much-cost-support-family-california/

[2] September 2018; Dollars for Child Care and Preschool in 2018-19 Near Pre-Recession Levels With Boost From One-Time Funding

[3] 2019-20 DOF Governor’s Budget. APP voucher spaces.

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CDA Reimbursement Schedule
Family is authorized with a variable schedule

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.

Reimbursement of provider non-operation days/holidays

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.

Reimbursement of registration fees, material fees, insurance fees

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.

License-Exempt Providers

When child care is authorized for a total of 25 or more hours per week the Full Time Weekly RMRC will be used. When child care is authorized for a total of less than 25 hours per week the Part Time RMRC will be used.

View the State’s RMRC by County See the full Program Guidelines

Congratulations! You may be eligible for CDA’s program.

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We’re sorry, you may not be eligible for CDA’s program.

If you would like to receive a personal eligibility screening, please complete the form below:

We’re sorry, it appears you may have different need for child care services than those listed.

To receive a personal eligibility screening, please call us at: (619) 427-4411 ext. 1400