Childcare Services

What is CalWORKs and the Three Stage Child Care System?

CalWORKs provides cash aid and services to eligible needy families. One of the services provided to help families achieve self–sufficiency is temporary child care subsidies.

The CalWORKs program created a three stage child care system to aid families in getting connected to local child care resources.

When someone enters the CalWORKs program their child care is considered Stage One. The Stage One child care subsidy remains active until the participant’s work activity becomes stable and then they are transferred to Stage Two. The participant can remain in Stage Two for 24 months past the time their cash aid is discontinued or until their income reaches 75% of the state’s median income. Stage Three is for former CalWORKs clients, diversion clients, and the general population when spaces are funded and available.

More information: Childcare Services