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Community Services for Children administers the Child Care Information Service (CCIS) of Lehigh County. In addition to providing parents with information on finding child care (see TOT-INFO above); we also help low-income families enroll in subsidized child care.  The amount of the subsidy is based on  family size and income.

Eligibility Requirements for Subsidized Child Care Program

  • The goal of the Subsidy Program is to enable low-income families to maintain employment.
  • The Subsidy Program is a non-entitlement benefit made available through Federal and State funds.
  • Parents must apply in the county in which they live.
  • At this time Lehigh County does have a waiting list.
  • Eligible families are assessed a family co-payment based on their income and family size.
  • Subsidized Child Care is available for a child if no adult family member is available to care for the child during the hours of the day for which the parent requests subsidized Child Care.
  • Subsidized Child Care is available to an eligible child from birth to the date the child is 13 years of age.
  • Subsidized Child Care may be provided in Certified Child Day Care Centers, Group Child Day Care Homes, Registered Family Child Day Care Homes and those exempt from certification or registration. Any provider selected must have a contract with the CCIS.

Financial Requirements:

 

  • A Family’s annual income cannot exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
  • All adult members must provide 4 pay stubs within the most recent 6-week period, or must begin prospective employment within 30 days of their application.
  • Any other additional income must be reported.                  
  • Court-ordered support through the Domestic Relation’s office or voluntary support against any absent parent must be reported if being received.

 

Non-Financial Requirements:

 

  • The child shall need care which coincides with the hours of the adult family members employment and/or training hours.
  • All adult family members must submit an employment verification form.
  • Each adult family member must work 20 hours per week, or 10 hours per week and attend accredited training for 10 hours per week (or any combination, not to fall below the minimum of 10 hours of employment).
  • Subsidized Child Care is available only to a child who has received age-appropriate immunizations.
  • Consent for release of information form, signed by each family member 18 years of age or older.
  • Photo-Identification card.
  • The children must be citizens of the United States.
  • You must reside in Lehigh County.

 

For additional information on the Subsidy Program or for a Subsidy Application, visit www.compass.state.pa.us or call 610-437-6000, ext 506. For help finding a child care provider to fit your personal needs, visit www.compass.state.pa.us/childcaresearch.


CSC