California pays for child care for eligible families through several programs, administered by the Department of Social Services (CDSS) since 2021. Families usually choose any licensed provider, or a license-exempt one in some programs, and the program pays the provider.
| Program | Who it serves | Income limit |
|---|---|---|
| CalWORKs Child Care (Stages 1, 2 and 3) | Families in or leaving CalWORKs, parents working or in school, children under 13 | At or below 85% of state median income |
| Alternative Payment (CAPP) | Working families or parents in school, children under 13; vouchers through local Alternative Payment agencies | 85% of state median income |
| General Child Care | Same rules, at contracted centers and family child care home networks | 85% of state median income |
| Migrant Child Care | Families earning at least half their income from agricultural work | 85% of state median income |
| California State Preschool | Children aged 3 and 4 | At or below state median income (some exceptions) |
How to apply
- CalWORKs families: ask your county welfare department about Stage 1 child care.
- Everyone else: contact your local child care Resource and Referral (R&R) agency or Alternative Payment agency. The R&R network lists them by county.
- Many programs have waiting lists, so apply early.
Free options to know
- Transitional kindergarten is free for every child who turns four by September 1.
- Many State Preschool sites are in the same buildings as licensed centers listed here.
We are not part of CDSS or any agency and cannot check eligibility. Confirm current rules with your county or R&R agency.