Last Updated: 11/14/2018
Child Care Links provides needed funds to families to pay for child care costs, through county, state and federal Subsidy and CalWORKs programs. Funding for child care payments is available to eligible families, based on income, family size and need for services. Subsidy and CalWORKs programs serve children, infant to thirteen years of age. Child Care Links is a parental choice program, and allows parents/guardians to select Child Care Providers who will best meet the needs of their child/children and family.
» Child Care Links Eligibility List Application
Child Care Links offers Subsidy Programs through the State Department of Education, Federal Grants and the Alameda County Social Services Department.
Child Care Links Geographical Coverage Area
California Alternative | CalWorks | CalWorks |
Payment Program | Stage I | Stage II & III |
Dublin | Albany | Dublin |
Fremont | Alameda | Fremont |
Livermore | Berkeley | Livermore |
Newark | Dublin | Newark |
Pleasanton | Emeryville | Pleasanton |
Sunol | Livermore | Sunol |
Union City | Oakland | Union City |
Pleasanton | ||
Sunol |
No
No
To ensure confidentiality, your Eligibility Specialist (ES) is the only person who has access to your file.
We accept debit card payments for family fees, along with cash, checks, and money orders. We do not accept credit card payments for family fees.
State and Federal funding sources require that we see you in person for a certification appointment, as there are documents that need to be signed and witnessed by our staff, to verify your identity and documents.
Secure drop-boxes are located outside of the Pleasanton and Oakland offices and are checked daily.
The California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Program is a welfare-to-work program providing Cash-Aid and services to eligible needy California families.
The three stages, Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3, relate to the child care portion of the CalWORKs programs. Each stage has specific eligibility criteria. Your eligibility will be determined when you meet with your Eligibility Specialist.
Subsidized Child Care is financial assistance intended to lower the cost of child care for families who have a need for child care services.
Child Care Links pays for child care for children, infant to thirteen years of age. With verification, children with exceptional needs and severely disabled children may receive services up to the age of 21.
Eligibility is based on a family’s total countable gross income (all income of individuals counted in the family size).
Family size is the parent/s and the child/children who comprise the household in which the child/children receiving services is living. For purposes of income eligibility and family fee determination, when a child/children and his or her siblings are living in a family that does not include their biological or adoptive parent (ie. non-relative guardian or foster parent, etc.), “family” shall be considered the child and related siblings.
The length of time varies. Eligible families are placed on the Eligibility List based on family size and lowest income first. Children at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation have first priority, regardless of income.
Although some families receive child care at no cost, co-payments and family fees may be employed based on family size and gross income, and Child Care Provider choice.
A Co-Payment occurs when a parent/guardian chooses a Child Care Provider whose rate exceeds the allowable amount determined by the State of California. A family is responsible for the difference between the Child Care Provider’s rate and the maximum allowable rate determined by the State of California.Co-payments are paid directly to the Child Care Provider.
A Family Fee is the monthly dollar amount a family is required to pay during a month of subsidized child care services, based on family size and gross income. This fee can fluctuate based on family size and income.
Family fees are paid monthly. Co-payment schedules are determined between the parent/guardian and the Child Care Provider.
Failure to pay Family Fees may result in termination from Child Care Links Subsidy Programs, and payments to Child Care Providers will end.
Payment will be issued through one of two methods: Direct Deposit into the Child Care Provider’s checking account or loaded onto a Stagecoach Prepaid Debit Card issued to the Child Care Provider. Child Care Provider’s may choose either method of payment.
Once an Attendance Sheet is submitted to Child Care Links, Child Care Links has15 business days to issue payment to the Child Care Provider.
A participant may remain on the program as long as they are eligible, have a need for services and follow program guidelines.
Required documents vary based on need for services. You will be advised by your Eligibility Specialist which documents are necessary, when you schedule your appointment.
Recertification times may vary, from every three months, to every twelve months, based on need for services and reported changes.
Yes, Child Care Links will provide child care services during job search. However, if you become employed during this time, you must report your new employment status to your Eligibility Specialist immediately.
Child Care Links is a parental choice program. The program allows parents/guardians to select a Child Care Provider who best meets the needs of their child/children and family. If you would like to find a Licensed Child Care Provider, your Eligibility Specialist can refer you to your local Resource and Referral agency.
Licensed Child Care Centers, Licensed Family Child Care Homes, Before and/or After school programs, and License Exempt Providers (friends or family members who are at least 18 years of age).
Yes. Please discuss this with your Eligibility Specialist at time of enrollment.
Only Stage 1 of the CalWORKs program allows for child care to be provided in the child’s home.
A registry of Licensed Exempt Child Care Providers who have passed a background screening (fingerprint and criminal record clearance) to ensure the health and safety of children
Many are processed within one month, however, times may vary based on criteria received.
Disqualifying criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California will cause a denial from TrustLine.
Yes, please go to www.trustline.org for more information.
No, Child Care Links cannot pay a Child Care Provider whose TrustLine has been denied or closed.
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