What is the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL)?

What is subsidized child care?

How do I know if I am eligible for subsidized child care?

How can I get subsidized care?

What happens after I send in the application?

What is a ranking number?

Will my rank number ever change?

What income sources count?

If my information changes, should I fill out another application?

How long is the wait?

Download the Eligibilty Application

What is the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL)?

The CEL is a single countrywide list of all children from income eligible families who are waiting for a subsidized child care and development program. Agencies offering subsidized child care and development contact families in need from the CEL for enrollment.

What is subsidized child care?

Subsidized means “paid for” or “financially supported”. In this case, the California Department of Education contracts with local agencies to help income eligible families pay for child care, depending on the family’s need.

How do I know if I am eligible for subsidized child care?

First, you have to meet income requirements based on your family size. The California Department of Education, Child Development Division, establishes a ranking scale.

Second, for some programs you must have a need for child care for one or more of the following reasons:
• Employed
• Enrolled in school/training program leading to a recognized occupation;
• Incapacitated and unable to care for your child for part of the day.
• Looking for work.

How can I get subsidized care?

A centralized Eligibility Application needs to be submitted. When your application is received you are given a “ranking” number based on your income and family size. This ranking number and your application date will determine if, and how soon you will be contacted for possible referral, when funding becomes available or space opens in a subsidized program.

What happens after I send in the application?

After we have received your application, your name is placed on the CEL. You will receive a letter stating that you have been placed on the CEL. When a subsidized program has an opening they will begin calling families for a preliminary screening starting with the lowest rank number, one, and move up the list until the program is full. You do not automatically receive subsidized child care by submitting an application.

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What is a ranking number?

You are given a rank number according to your family size and gross monthly income. The ranks range from 1-66. There are many families within each rank number.
The income guidelines have been established by the California Department of Education.

Will my rank number ever change?

Your rank number does not change unless your income or family size changes.

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
• Disability insurance payments
• Pensions or annuities
• Veteran’s benefits

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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.)

How long is the wait?

The wait varies. Unfortunately it is not possible for us to give you an approximate time. Children are taken from the list only when funding becomes available.


Being on the CEL is not a guarantee of services.

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