The CEL is a single, county-wide list of all children from income eligible families who are waiting for subsidized childcare. Agencies offering state-funded subsidized childcare identify families in need from the CEL. The CEL is not a wait list. The CEL is an eligibility list. An eligibility list determines which families should be served first when a space becomes available. The CEL is based on factors determined by the State and includes: income, family size, and other needs. The CEL is not administered on a first-come, first-served basis - the amount of time that a family has been waiting does not determine who will be served first. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will receive assistance through a subsidized child care program. Referrals are only made when funding becomes available or when there is an opening in a subsidized child care program. The wait varies. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to give you an approximate time. Referrals are only made when funding becomes available or when there is an opening in a subsidized childcare program. Selections start with the lowest rank (one) and continue until the funding runs out or the spaces become filled. There currently is not enough funding to help pay for childcare for every low-income family that needs it.

Subsidized means "paid for" (in part or in whole) or "financially supported." In this case, the California Department of Education contracts with local agencies to help income eligible families pay for childcare, depending on the family's need. To be eligible for the CEL you have to meet income limits based on your family size (see income guidelines). The California Department of Education, Child Development Division, establishes a ranking scale. Second, you must have a need for childcare such as; employment, school or training, an incapacity that makes you unable to care for your child for part of the day, or a referral from Child Protective Services (CPS) that childcare is a necessary component of the child protective services plan. A CEL application needs to be submitted. Once in, your family will be ranked based on your income and family size. This ranking will determine if and how soon you will be contacted for possible funding when funding becomes available or space opens in a subsidized childcare program. You will receive a letter stating you have been placed on the CEL and when a subsidized program has an opening they will start calling families for a preliminary screening, starting with the lowest rank and moving up the list from there. The ranks range from 1-66 and there are many families within each rank. You do not automatically receive subsidized childcare by submitting an application. Countable income includes: wages/salaries, profit from self-employment, child support, spousal support, cash aid (TANF or CalWORKS), Worker's Compensation, Unemployment, Disability Insurance payments, pensions or annuities, veteran's benefits.

Apply for the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) has never been easier. The system allows low-income families to apply for assistance to pay for all or part of their child care needs. One application will place families on the CEL and the information will be available to participating subsidized child care and education programs in Marin County. Parents do not need to visit or call each program to be added to their eligibility list. What information do I need to provide? If your child currently has an open Child Protective Services (CPS) case, you must provide a letter from the county welfare department or the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) case manager on HSA letterhead. If your child has an At Risk referral, you must have a letter from a legally qualified professional. If your child has exceptional needs, you must provide a copy of the child’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). Gross (before taxes) monthly income will be verified at time of potential enrollment* *Applying for the CEL does not guarantee subsidized child care services. Enrollment is based on availability of spaces, selection by the child care program, current and accurate family information, and timely response by the family who is notified of an opening.* You can apply for the CEL online or you print and complete the application by clicking on the link above and send it to the address listed on the application. If you have a question about the CEL, or need to update your application, you can contact the CEL Administrator at 415.491.5704

Yes, through the Emergency Foster Care Bridge Program. Contact your Social Worker for referral.

No. It is not necessary to fill out another application, but please call us immediately with any changes such as: family size, income, address, telephone number, etc.. If you fail to update your information when updates are mailed, your family will be dropped from the CEL. You may reach the CEL Administrator at 415.491.5704 to report changes.

Parents is Action (PIA) is a parent led, parent run grassroots program, fighting to make quality childcare affordable and accessible to all families.

Participating State-Funded Programs State Funded Preschool at Pickleweed Children's Center P.O. Box 151560 San Rafael, CA 94915 415.485.3386 Community Action Marin Administration 555 Northgate Dr., Suite 201 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.526.7500 Fairfax San Anselmo Children's Center 199 Porteous Ave. Fairfax, CA 94930 415.454.1811 Marin Child Care Council Alternative Payment Program 555 Northgate Drive Suite 105 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.472.1092 North Bay Children's Center 932 C Street Novato, CA 94949 415.883.6222 North Marin Community Services 680 Wilson Ave. Novato, CA 94947 415.892.1643