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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL)?
The Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) is a single countywide list of all children from income eligible families who are waiting for subsidized child care. The CEL allows agencies with state subsidies to contact families when they have openings. Getting on this CEL puts you on the one list that is used by all the state subsidized programs in the County.
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What is subsidized child care?
Subsidized child care is assistance to low-income families to cover part or all of their child care costs, depending on their financial need.
How can I get subsidized child care?
Except for the parents enrolled in the CalWORKs system, you need to submit an application to place your child’s name on an eligibility list. After your application is received your application, your name is placed on the CEL. When funding becomes available or a subsidized program has an opening, they will begin calling families for a preliminary screening starting with the lowest rank number and move up the list until the program is full. You do not automatically receive subsidized child care by submitting an application.
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How do I know if I am eligible for subsidized child care?
First, you have to meet income requirements based on your family size (see below). The California Department of Education, Child Development Division, establishes an income ceiling.
| Family Size |
Family Monthly Income |
| 1 – 2 |
$3,386 |
| 3 |
$3,628 |
| 4 |
$4,031 |
| 5 |
$4,676 |
| 6 |
$5,321 |
| 7 |
$5,442 |
Second, you must have a need for child care for one or more of the following reasons:*
- Working
- Looking for work
- Attending school or in training
- Medically incapacitated and unable to care for your child for part of the day
- Receiving Child Protective Services (CPS)
To find out if you qualify, contact any participating agency or program.
* Depending on program requirements, needs may vary
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What income sources count?
- Countable income includes:
- Wages/salaries
- Self-employment income
- Child support, spousal support
- Cash Aid (TANF or CalWORKs)
- Worker’s compensation
- Disability insurance payments
- Unemployment
- Pensions or annuities
- Veteran’s benefits
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Will my rank number ever change?
No. Child care subsidies are based on priorities determined by each subsidy program. For this reason, a family’s ranking does not change, unless your income or family size changes.
If my information changes, should I fill out another application?
No, it is not necessary to fill out another application. However, please call the agency that originally enrolled you on the CEL to update any changes to your information (family size, income, address, telephone number, etc.).
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Is the CEL a waiting list?
No. The CEL is an eligibility list. An eligibility list determines which families should be served first when a space becomes available. The CEL is based on factors determined by the State and includes: income, family size, and other needs. The CEL is not administered on a first-come, first-served basis - the amount of time that a family has been waiting does not determine who will be served first. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will receive assistance through a subsidized child care program. Referrals are only made when funding becomes available or when there is an opening in a subsidized child care program.
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