Child Care Works - Subsidized Child Care Program

The Child Care Works program is here to assist low-income families with childcare fees, providing crucial support to make quality care more accessible. Funded by both state and federal governments, this program is managed by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) in your county. 

How It Works 

• Subsidy Payment: The ELRC covers a portion of your child care costs through a subsidy payment. 
• Family Co-Pay: You are responsible for a portion of the costs, known as the family co-pay. 
• Direct Payments: Both the subsidy payment and the family co-pay are paid directly to your child care provider. 
• Important Note: If the subsidy payment does not cover the full amount charged by your child care provider, you may need to pay the difference between the subsidy and the provider’s regular fees. 

This program aims to ease the financial burden of child care and support your family’s needs. For more details or to apply, contact us.

Basic Guidelines

• You must live in Pennsylvania
• Have a child or children who need childcare while you work or attend an education program
• Meet income guidelines for your family size: 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
• Work 20 or more hours a week, or work 10 hours and go to school or train for 10 hours a week
• Have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your application for subsidized childcare
• 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
• Have proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home

Federal Poverty Income Guidelines