Serving Region 3: Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana & Lawrence Counties
CHILD CARE COST Assistance
Help with child care costs: Child Care Works (CCW)
What is Child Care Subsidy Funding?
The Early Learning Resource Center Region 3 serves Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana and Lawrence Counties. Previously CCIS, the ELRC oversees the application process for Child Care Works (CCW) which is a subsidized child care program that helps low-income and priority funded families pay a portion of their child care expenses.
Below is an explanation of how some of a family’s cost may be covered:
- The ELRC pays a portion of the cost called a subsidy payment.
- You pay a weekly copay based on your income and family size.
- Both payments go directly to the child care provider to ensure that your children can attend any provider that is eligible to participate in the CCW funding program.
Not sure of providers in your area that accept CCW funding?? Click here to find them. Make sure that you select the CCW funding box when searching!
Am I Eligible?
The following are the basic guidelines for eligibility,
- You must live in Pennsylvania
- Have a child or children who need child care while you work or attend an education program
- Work 20 or more hours a week - or-
- Work 10 hours a week and go to school or train for 10 hours a week
- Teen parents must attend an education program
- The child who needs care must be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency
- Meet income guidelines for your family size based on 2024 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines listed below. This is based on gross income.
2025 FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES
Family Size / 200% FPIG
1 $31,300
2 $42,300
3 $53,300
4 $64,300
5 $75,300
6 $86,300
7 $97,300
8 $108,300
9 $119,300
The eligibility process has some special circumstances, please contact the ELRC offices with any questions.
PRIORITY FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR TEEN PARENTS, FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, FOSTER FAMILIES, AND CHILDREN ENROLLED PRE K COUNTS AND EARLY HEADSTART/HEADSTART.
I Want to Apply, What Else Do I Need?
Paperwork:
- Check out the forms and documents section below to see a helpful checklist to use as a guide for what documents to provide.
- Do you receive child support or other income like Social Security benefits? Make sure ALL income is reported.
Acceptable Forms of ID:
- Driver’s License
- Military ID
- Photo ID
- Passport
Acceptable Forms of Address Verification:
- Photo ID (if the address is current)
- Piece of mail/bill with name and address
Documents to verify family composition:
- Birth certificate
- Most recent custody orders
- Medical records
- Written statement from a physician
What Does The Application Process Look Like?
Once your application is received, we will send out a missing information letter. It will tell you exactly what the ELRC needs to complete your application.
If determined eligible, you will receive a notice in the mail and a phone call when funds are available. On occasion, there is a waitlist for funding. There is no timeframe for how long we will have a waitlist or when it will occur.
If you are not eligible, you will receive a notice in the mail. If you do not understand your ineligibility, please contact our office.
How To Apply?
There are a few ways you can apply for the CCW subsidized child care program.
- Download the application as a PDF here!
- Pick an application up in the office!
- Contact us to have one mailed, emailed or faxed to you.
CCW (Subsidy) Forms & Documents
Below is a list of the forms and documents you might need when applying for our program. Please read the description of each form and only use the ones that pertain to you.
NOTE: THESE ARE ONLY SOME OF THE FORMS THAT AN APPLICANT MIGHT NEED. THE ELRC MAY REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION AND REQUEST ADDITIONAL FORMS TO BE COMPLETED.
Now Available for Licensed Child Care Providers In Region 3
Early learning Connections announces the implementation of the Rapid Response Team.
The Rapid Response Team is a short-term support that provides resources and classroom management techniques to help in the prevention of a child's suspension or expulsion from a licensed childcare.
Licensed childcare providers, as well as parents/guardians of children attending licensed childcare providers, in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana and Lawrence Counties can request support by contacting:
Jennifer Lohr, RRT Coordinator
Call: 724-287-2761x316
email: RRTRegion3@earlylearningconnections.org