Parent Handbook CalWORKs Child Care
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) program is the state's implementation of the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program and it provides cash grants and welfare-to-work services for families to meet basic needs and assist the family's move towards self- sufficiency.
CalWORKs Child Care Program was established in 1997 to provide subsidized services for welfare program participants and low-income families to enable low-income families to become self-sufficient, as well as, improve low-income children's cognitive and educational development.
Subsidized child care is available for eligible CalWORKs participants who:
- Are currently receiving TANF cash aid benefits for themselves or have received within 24 months.
- Have a family income below 70% of the State Median Income (non- cash aided families).
- Have a demonstrated need for child care including employment, participation in an education or training program or other approved Welfare-to-Work activity.
- Have an eligible child(ren). Subsidized care can be provided to children through age 12, and exceptional needs and severely disabled children up to age 21.
Based upon CalWORKs, eligible parents can obtain subsidized child care from the provider of their choice.
The CalWORKs Child Care Program is administered by Crystal Stairs as an Alternative Payment Program in three stages. Stage One is administered by Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). Stages Two and Three are administered through the California Department of Education (CDE). The stages are intended to provide a smooth transition for families from short- term child care to stable long-term care needed for families to become self- sufficient.
Subsidized child care is available for eligible CalWORKs families who:
1. Work or participate in an education or training program (Welfare-To-Work activity), therefore demonstrating a "need" for care.
2. Have a family income below 70% of the State Median Income (SMI). The state currently uses a SMI cap of $42, 216 for a family of three.
3. Subsidized child care is available for CalWORKs children through age 12, and exceptional needs and severely disabled children up to age 21.
Based upon CalWORKs, eligible parents can obtain subsidized child care from the provider of their choice.
The CalWORKs Child Care Program is administered in three stages. Stage One is administered by the county welfare departments. Stages Two and Three are administered by Alternative Payment Program (APP) agencies under contract with the California Department of Education (CDE). The stages are intended to provide a smooth transition for families from short-term child care to stable long-term care needed for families to become self-sufficient.
How do I access Child Care Services?
Step 1: Contact Crystal Stairs for eligibility screening
- Family Services Enrollment Department (323)421-1028
- Crystal Stairs Customer Service Center (323)299-8998
Step 2: Complete an enrollment packet
Step 3: Attend an enrollment appointment (CDE funded programs)
Step 4: Submit all required information timely