Program Information
Eligibility & Criteria for Assistance
Families must meet the following requirements established by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care and Development Division, to qualify for subsidized child care:
- Family must meet income requirements according to their family size as established by California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care and Development Division or is receiving an eligible government aided program.
- In addition, the parent must show documentation of one or more of the following needs:
- Employed
- Seeking employment
- Seeking Housing
- Enrolled in school or training program leading to a recognized occupation
- Family is referred by a legally qualified professional identifying child is at risk of abuse, neglect, or has special needs.
- Incapacitated and unable to care for the child for part of the day.
Family Support Services
Subsidized child care services are provided via contracts established between Family Support Services (FSS) and a child care "provider" who is an independent contractor selected by the parent. Parents are responsible for selecting the provider that will provide their child with safe and quality care. FSS is not responsible for the quality of care given by a provider under contract. FSS will pay provider's the usual and customary rates charged for non-subsidized children. Provider reimbursement for the age of the child and type of child care setting is limited to the rate established by the Market Rate Ceiling Survey for Orange County Child Care Providers. Payment is issued to the provider based on terms outlined in the Agreement for Child Care Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there other programs that provide subsidized child care besides Family Support Services?
- Does Family Support Services provide referral for child care providers?
- How do I get my name on the eligibility list?
- How long before my family can receive services?
- How much do families pay for subsidized child care services?
- How often should I update my eligibility questionnaire?
- When will I know that it is my turn to be enrolled by an agency?
Are there other programs that provide subsidized child care besides Family Support Services?
Does Family Support Services provide referral for child care providers?
How do I get my name on the eligibility list?
How long before my family can receive services?
How much do families pay for subsidized child care services?
How often should I update my eligibility questionnaire?
When will I know that it is my turn to be enrolled by an agency?
Choosing a Quality Provider
OCDE FSS encourages families to carefully select a child care provider. Families may choose between family day care homes, center programs, school districts, or license-exempt provider. Parents are encouraged to select a child care setting that best reflects their parental and cultural values, meeting the individual needs of their family.
You can use the tabs below to see the most common questions that parents should ask their potential providers: