Subsidized Child Care

What is Child Care Financial Assistance?

The subsidized child care program helps low-income families pay a portion of their child care expenses. The state and federal government funds this program, which is managed by the ELRC. The ELRC determines the families’ eligibility for child care subsidy, provides payments to the child care providers, and educates families about quality childcare and early learning programs.

What Providers Can Participate?

To participate in the Child Care Works subsidy program you must:

Be a licensed certified child care provider
Sign a certified provider agreement with ELRC 3
Provide the ELRC 3 with a current W-9
Agree to accept subsidy payment rates

Important information

When a family chooses you as a child care provider, you will be notified by the ELRC 3 and will submit monthly attendance invoices to request payment.

Payments are paid monthly by the 20th of each month.

Providers may submit invoices online through PROVIDER SELF SERVICE or with paper attendance sheets that can be mailed to the ELRC.

Please contact us with any questions or if you would like to know more.

Additional information on Child Care Works

What Parents/Caregivers Are Eligible?

The following are the basic guidelines for eligibility. The parent/caregiver must:

Live in Pennsylvania
Have a child or children who need child care while you work or attend an education program
Meet income guidelines for their family size
Work 20 or more hours a week - or-
Work 10 hours 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

How Can a Parent/Caretaker Apply?

To apply for child care financial assistance or if you would like more information,
please contact us.

You can submit an application through online services for the Child Care Works Program.

Finding Child Care Programs

A parent may use funding anywhere they choose as long as the child care provider participates or is willing to participate. The parent may choose a licensed:

Child Care Center
Group Daycare Home
Family Daycare Home

A parent may also select certain Relative Providers. Please ask for more details when you contact us.

Where Can I Find Licensed Facilities?

The ELRC can assist you in finding a facility that meets your needs.

To get a list of and information on child care facilities, please contact us for resource and referral services.

You can also find a listing of regulated child care providers, view certification history, current certification status and complaint history at: www.FindChildcare.pa.gov

Serving Region 3: Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana & Lawrence Counties