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What is the
Centralized Eligibility List (CEL)?
The CEL is a single, countywide list
of all children from income eligible families who are waiting for
subsidized childcare. Agencies offering state-funded subsidized
childcare identify families in need from the CEL.
What is subsidized childcare?
Subsidized means
“paid for” (in part or in whole) or “financially supported.” In this
case, the California Department of Education contracts with local
agencies to help income eligible families pay for childcare, depending
on the family’s need.
How do I know if I am
eligible for subsidized childcare?
First, you have to
meet income limits based on your family size. The California Department
of Education, Child Development Division, establishes a ranking scale.
Second, you must have a need for childcare such as; employment, school
or training, an incapacity that makes you unable to care for your child
for part of the day, or a referral from Child Protective Services (CPS)
that childcare is a necessary component of the child protective services
plan.
How can I get subsidized
care?
A CEL application
needs to be submitted. Once in, your family will be ranked based on
your income and family size. This ranking will determine if and how
soon you will be contacted for possible funding when funding becomes
available or space opens in a subsidized childcare program. You will
receive a letter stating you have been placed on the CEL and when a
subsidized program has an opening they will start calling families for a
preliminary screening, starting with the lowest rank and moving up the
list from there. The ranks range from 1-66 and there are many families
within each rank. You do not automatically receive subsidized childcare
by submitting an application.
What income sources count?
Countable income
includes: wages/salaries, profit from self-employment, child support,
spousal support, cash aid (TANF or CalWORKS), Worker’s Compensation,
Unemployment, Disability Insurance payments, pensions or annuities,
veteran’s benefits.
Are foster children given
priority?
No. Placement is
based on the income received for the foster child(ren) and foster
parents must have a need.
If my information changes
should I fill out another application?
No. It is not
necessary to fill out another application, but please call us
immediately with any changes (family size, income, address, telephone
number, etc.). If you fail to update your information when updates are
mailed, your family will be dropped from the CEL.
How long is the wait?
The wait varies.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to give you an approximate
time. Referrals are only made when funding becomes available or when
there is an opening in a subsidized childcare program. Selections start
with the lowest rank (one) and continue until the funding runs out or
the spaces become filled. There currently is not enough funding to help
pay for childcare for every low-income family that needs it.
How can I help ensure more
families receive childcare funding?
Marin Child Care Council is affiliated with PARENT VOICES,
a parent led, parent run grassroots organization fighting to make
quality childcare affordable and accessible to all families. Please
join us in our monthly actions including parent meetings, visits to the
capital, and appointments with legislators to testify regarding the need
for childcare funding in this state. For more information, please call
Leah Benz at Marin Child Care Council at (415) 491-5776. |
