ChildCare Works Subsidy-Financial Assistance
CEEL is qualified to accept the ChildCare Works state subsidy program. Note that at this time, scholarship funds are not available through CEEL.
What is subsidized child care?
Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, subsidized child care is paid for in part with tax dollars from the State and Federal government to help aide working families with the cost of child care expenses for children from birth to 13 years of age so that a parent and/or caretaker can go to work and/or attend an education or training program.
Eligibility Requirements
Every family must meet the following criteria:
- You must live in Pennsylvania.
- All children needing care must be a United States Citizen or legally admitted alien for permanent residency.
- Have proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home.
- All parents/caretakers mustwork an average of 20 or more hours a week; or work an average of 10 or more hours and attend an accredited training program an average of at least 10 hours a week.
- Training programs must be nationally accredited and can include: adult basic education, English as a second language, GED, HSF degree, 2 or 4-year technical, professional, undergraduate, graduate, PhD programs, internship, lab/field work, clinical placement, or apprenticeship. Your training can be in-person or online.
- Have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your application for subsidized child care.
- Work must coincide with the hours needed for daycare.
- Your family's annual income is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty. See below for income guidelines. Additional guidelines may apply on a case by case basis.
How Do I Apply?
In order to receive assistance with child care you will need to complete an application. You can apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us or contact the Early Learning Resource Center at 814-231-1352 to receive a paper application.
Important note for parents who feel they may not be eligible: The income limits listed below are not the final consideration for subsidized child care, as there are other factors that are taken into account when assessing your eligibility. If you believe that you may not be eligible, you should still consider applying.
| Family Size | Gross Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
If you have questions about the subsidy, please contact the Early Learning Resource Center at 814-231-1352. If approved, share your approval information with the Community Education office and your account will be adjusted accordingly.