Helping Families and
Businesses Thrive

Everyday Families Struggle to Pay for Child Care Services

Child care can be expensive. As much as you want to help families struggling to pay their fees, you also need to protect your business and the bottom line.

CDA’s Alternative Payment
Program Is Here to Help!

Our Alternative Payment Program (APP) allows low income families the chance to access high-quality child care they can’t normally afford while you get to grow your business. Developed through the California Department of Education, this subsidized program is available for families with children ages 0-12 years of age.

Reliable Payments

Receive accurate and timely child care payments

Personalized Support

Full-time staff to ensure success for you and your families

Simple Enrollment

Make quality, affordable child care a reality for working families

We’ll Take Care of Family Payments, So You Can Focus on What You Do Best

CDA’s Alternative Payment Program (APP) is designed to help you help families. Any eligible family can request you as their child care provider.  Once you enroll as a provider in the program, care for the family can begin and CDA will reimburse you on behalf of the parents. We ensure the child care reimbursements go straight to your bank account, avoiding late payments.

Here's How It Works

Step 1
Family applies for CDA’s APP

Upon eligibility approval, a family will complete their enrollment process

Step 2
Family chooses a child care provider

That’s you!

Step 3
You sign up with CDA

A friendly team member will ensure your enrollment into the program is simple and easy!

Step 4
Child Care Begins

The child begins care at your facility

Step 5
You Invoice CDA

You provide a copy of the child’s attendance record to CDA for child care reimbursement

Step 6
Reimbursement

CDA reimburses you monthly on the parent’s behalf

CDA Makes Providers Happy

“I would like to take this time to state how well organized and helpful I feel the process was for me to qualify as a provider there at the Bonita Office. The staff there seems very knowledgeable about the process and what to do. The attitude and patience was very noticeable as well. They were all very nice, patient and no unnecessary attitudes that I observe. I feel very comfortable coming in for assistance or calling for help. Thank you so much for your professionalism!”

– Alternative Payment Program Provider

Want To Reach More Parents?

Take advantage of the easiest way to help your community and strengthen your business. Get involved by asking families in need if they’ve heard of us and direct them to our website to find out more. By participating in CDA’s Alternative Payment Program, you can assure eligible families receive quality care without risking your bottom line.

Refer a Family to CDA

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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.

Let’s get started:

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