• How can a family apply for child care assistance through CHS?
• What gives a family priority to enroll?
• Does CHS place children in care?
• Can parents change child care providers?
• After a parent is enrolled, when can child care begin?
• Once enrolled, how long does a family remain eligible for child care assistance?
• How does CHS approve child care hours?
• Can a parent use child care for personal reasons?
• If a parent is unable to contact CHS to report changes in her need for care, can the
  provider report the changes for the parent?
• Are child care services terminated if a family temporarily does not need them?
• If a parent disagrees with an action taken by CHS, what are the parent's rights?
• If a child care provider knows a parent is using child care services in a misleading, false,
  or fraudulent manner, is the provider required to report this information to CHS?

How can a family apply for child care assistance through CHS?
Families must apply for child care assistance by contacting their county's Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) and completing an eligibility questionnaire. As funds are available, CHS pulls lists of families from CEL and enrolls families according to the admission priorities set by the California Department of Education (CDE).
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What gives a family priority to enroll?
Enrollment priorities are established by the California Department of Education (CDE). In general, families with the lowest income level, adjusted for family size, are enrolled first. Priority is also given to siblings and families receiving child protective services.
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Does CHS place children in care?
No. The parents or guardians are responsible for selecting a child care provider for their children.
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Can parents change child care providers?
Yes. Parents may change child care providers, but they must contact CHS in advance.
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After a parent is enrolled, when can child care begin?
CHS will notify the chosen child care provider when the family is certified to begin using child care services.
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Once enrolled, how long does a family remain eligible for child care assistance?
A family must re-certify for eligibility every 12 months. In addition, a family must maintain eligibility and have the need for care at all times. Eligibility and need vary depending on the specific program in which the family is enrolled.
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How does CHS approve child care hours?
The approved child care hours are based on the hours that care is needed while the parent is working, in school or training, seeking employment, seeking permanent housing, incapacitated as determined by a medical professional, or as established by a referral for at risk or child protective services. For a two-parent family, hours are based on the parent needing the least amount of child care. Parents must submit documentation of need before child care hours can be approved.
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Can a parent use child care for personal reasons?
No. CHS will pay for care that is pre-approved, during times that the parent is working, seeking work, in a school or training program, seeking permanent housing, incapacitated as determined by a medical professional, or based upon hours established by a referral for at risk or child protective services. Parents are responsible for care they may need for any other reasons.
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If a parent is unable to contact CHS to report changes in her need for care, can the provider report the changes for the parent?
No. The parent is responsible for contacting CHS to report any changes. In addition, all information regarding families and children is kept strictly confidential. CHS will only disclose information about a child or family that is directly related to administrating the Child Care Assistance Program.
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Are child care services terminated if a family temporarily does
not need them?
No. The family may be granted a Limited Term Service Leave (LTSL), which is a leave of absence from child care. LTSL may be approved for a maximum of 12 consecutive weeks, or up to 16 weeks for a medical leave, family leave, or for a summer break for vocational training. In addition, an LTSL may be granted during the time that a child is attending an After School Education and Safety Program. During the LTSL, the provider will not receive payment and is not required to hold the child’s space in the child care program during the time the family is on leave.
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If a parent disagrees with an action taken by CHS, what are the parent's rights?
The parent has the right to file a request for an appeal hearing within 19 calendar days of the date the Notice of Action was issued. The action will be suspended until the review process has been completed. Specific appeal procedures are located on the back of the Notice of Action that is sent to the parent.
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If a child care provider knows a parent is using child care services in a misleading, false, or fraudulent manner, is the provider required to report this information to CHS?
Yes. Providers have a responsibility to inform CHS if a parent participating in the Child Care Assistance Programs violates the eligibility or need requirements.
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