See if you’re eligible
Apply Now
See if you’re eligible
Apply Now
Without reliable child care, parents can’t work full-time or go back to school.
Subsidized child care assistance You may qualify to get child care payments partial or fully covered.
You choose the care you want. You are able to select a child care provider who meets your needs, whether it’s a child care center, family-based child care, or a friend or family member.
Get help paying for child care You need affordable child care you can rely on so you can focus on going back to work or school full-time.
You fill out an application The good news is you only need to fill out 1 application. We’ll do the rest and forward your information to the agencies for you.
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Start looking for the child care you want It’s important to choose your child care provider before an agency contacts you. Search for child care.
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When funding is available, one of our partner agencies will contact you You increase your chances of getting selected because you’re now seen by our partner agencies.
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Search for child care
Meet our Agency Partners who want to help you.
We understand how frustrating it is to take care of your kids and work a full-time job. That’s why we help thousands of families afford child care and daycare so parents can go back to work or school again.
At YMCA Childcare Resource Service, we believe in strengthening families and child care professionals through comprehensive supports, ensuring all children and youth reach their fullest potential.
Since 1974, Child Development Associates has been creating opportunities for families, children, and child care providers to thrive.
NHA was established in 1914, current programs range from early childhood development in Head Start to an innovative nutrition program, to health programs like HIV/AIDS case management, mental health services, and Adult Day Health Care Services, youth services, and Senior Services.
TOOTRiS provides real-time access to over 2,100 early education and care programs in San Diego County to support the needs of families like yours! We make finding child care easy, affordable, and dependable, providing around-the-clock enrollment support services.
Children’s Home Society of California’s (CHS) Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) in San Diego County offers affordable child care to parents, supports the quality of licensed family child care homes, supports each child’s healthy development, and establishes relationships between children, parents, family child care providers, and CHS staff. Licensed family child care home providers receive ongoing training and technical assistance from CHS. Together, strategies and goals are discussed that will promote each child’s optimal development.
Chicano Federation serves a diverse population with programs that help low-income children and families access vital and often life-changing services. Chicano Federation programs and services include subsidized care for infants and toddlers, early childhood education at a preschool in Barrio Logan, nutritious meals for children in family day-care homes , and affordable housing.
YMCA
“When I applied for Child Care Assistance, I never felt judged through the enrollment process. Reaching out for help can be intimidating, especially when receiving free services. The agencies will treat your family with understanding, kindness, and respect.”
YMCA
“We were already struggling to pay monthly daycare fees. When I heard about the help through YMCA, I really didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to be a part of the program since I was so late in the game to apply. I’m so relieved to be accepted into this program and get the monthly help we need to get by. It helps us catch up on other bills which we are behind in.”
CDA
“As a single parent, working and going to school is challenging. And child care is so expensive. Thankfully, CDA provided me with the child care services I needed for my daughter. She now goes to a daycare near our house, where she loves her teachers and friends.”
CDA
“It has been a challenging year, but I was so happy when I got a call from CDA. I have been able to work full-time while my two sons go to daycare and the after-school program. I wouldn’t have been able to afford all the child care fees if it wasn’t for CDA’s help.”
TOOTRiS
“TOOTRiS has been amazing! They were able to help me access affordable childcare in less than a week. The entire process was smooth and transparent. I kept in close contact with them to achieve a wonderful outcome for our family! Communication is key when working with TOOTRiS because they are truly mission-driven and excited about supporting families. I would highly recommend San Diego parents to explore their program.”
TOOTRiS
“I had to start a new job and could not afford child care for my 11-month-old son. I spent days researching options and calling around without any luck and I was very worried I could not start my new job. A friend told me about TOOTRiS. They were so helpful and fast to understand my situation and to help me enroll my baby. I am so grateful, I’m a single mom and without this help, I would not have been able to work.”
How do I qualify for child care assistance? Qualifying for subsidized child care assistance is based on 3 factors:
Your gross monthly income from all sources (before taxes)
Family size, and need.
In addition, families must live in San Diego County to qualify.
See if you’re eligible, use our eligibility calculator.
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How long will I wait? Qualifying for subsidized child care assistance is based on 3 factors:
Your gross monthly income from all sources (before taxes)
Family size, and need.
In addition, families must live in San Diego County to qualify.
See if you’re eligible, use our eligibility calculator.
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Can I get “bumped up” on the list? Unfortunately, there’s no way to get “bumped up” on the list.
However, if your child is in a dangerous situation or harmful environment, contact us immediately.
The State grants preference to families that have an active Child Protective Services case in order to remove children from a harmful environment.
We suggest the best action you can take is to keep your application information updated every 3 months so we know you’re still waiting for help with child care or daycare.
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See more questions
When an agency contacts you, it’s important to already have a child care or daycare selected for your family. Use our free guide to help you choose the right child care or daycare for your family.
