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Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) Information
The Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) is a list of families needing child care assistance in Marin County. Any child care program in Marin County funded by the California Department of Education or any Head Start program in Marin County may call families from this list to offer no or low cost child care.
By placing your name on the eligibility list you may be considered for enrollment by programs serving the entire County, programs serving specific age groups, or by programs serving your child(ren)'s elementary school(s). Any program funded by the California Department of Education that operates within Marin County will be able to view information about you and your family.
If you have children under age 13, you are working, enrolled in school or in a training program, and your family's gross income is less than 70% of the State Median Income, you might be eligible to receive child care assistance.
OR
You may be eligible if you have a four year old who is four years of age on or before December 2; or if you have a three year old who is three years of age on or before December 2, and you wish them to attend a State Preschool. State Preschool is a part day (three hours per day) educational based program.
How do I know if I am eligible for subsidized child care?
First, you have to meet income requirements based on your family size (see below). The California Department of Education, Child Development Division, establishes an income ceiling.
Family Size |
Family Monthly Income |
Family Yearly Income |
1 – 2 |
$3,283 |
$39.396 |
3 |
$3,518 |
$42.216 |
4 |
$3.908 |
$46.896 |
5 |
$4,534 |
$54.408 |
6 |
$5,159 |
$61.908 |
Second, you must have a need for child care for one or more of the following reasons:*
- Working
- Looking for work
- Attending school or in training
- Medically incapacitated and unable to care for your child for part of the day
- Receiving Child Protective Services (CPS)
* Depending on program requirements, needs may vary
What income sources count?
- Countable income includes:
- Wages/salaries
- Self-employment income
- Child support, spousal support
- Cash Aid (TANF or CalWORKs)
- Worker’s compensation
- Disability insurance payments
- Unemployment
- Pensions or annuities
- Veteran’s benefits
Is the CEL a waiting list?
No. 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. |
