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Family Services /

Financial Assistance for Child Care

Financial Assistance with Child Care
CRR supports qualifying families with subsidy vouchers by paying Child Care Providers of the family’s choice on behalf of the family. Families are eligible based on income, family size, and government assistance.
If you have received CalWORKs Cash Aid, Medical, CalFresh, California Food Assistance Program, WIC, The Federal Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Headstart or Early Headstart in the past 24 months you may eligible for FREE or REDUCE cost Child Care!
Are you looking for child care provider, but don’t know who to call?

Do you need help paying for child care?

You choose your child care provider and WE PAY them for you!
Find the application below and email it to carewait@crrsbc.org
The Alternative Payment Program (APP), funded by Department of Social Services, offers financial assistance for parents needing child care. The APP helps families arrange child care services and makes payments for those services directly to the child care provider selected by the family. The APP is intended to increase parental choice and accommodate the individual needs of the family. Recipients of this program are based on income and need.

Need and Eligibility Requirements:
Need verification is a requirement for participation in any of the subsidy programs which means that the family is income-eligible and has a documented, independent verifiable need of Child Care services. If there is a verified need, staff will assist parents in determining their eligibility status and the appropriate placement for their children in any of the following programs. The parent(s) shall document total countable income for all the individuals counted in the family size.

Need may be any of the following:
Employment that precludes the supervision of children.
Seeking employment.
Vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, para-profession, or profession.
Homeless and seeking housing.
Incapacitated as verified by a legally qualified professional.
Child Welfare Services verified by a legally qualified professional.
Alternative Payment Programs

How Subsidized Child Care Works

  • A family applies to CRR for a subsidized child care payment program.
  • If the family qualifies, they complete the enrollment process.
  • The family chooses a child care provider.
  • CRR reimburses the provider on behalf of the family.

    Apply for Child Care Services

    Families looking for child care support can now complete the Child Care Waiting List Application online through our secure CareWait system. This new option makes it easier for families to submit an application anytime, from anywhere.

    CRR will continue to offer paper applications for families who prefer in person or printed support.

    What Happens After You Apply?

    Once an application is submitted online:

    Your application will be received by CRR staff as a new submission.
    Our team will review the information provided.
    The application status will then be updated and processed according to program eligibility, funding availability, and waiting list requirements.
    Please note:
    Submitting an application does not guarantee immediate enrollment or funding. Due to statewide funding limitations, some programs may currently have waitlists.

    Need Help?

    Our team is here to support families through the application process. If you need assistance completing the form or have questions about eligibility, please contact our office.

    Apply for Child Care Services

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    Awards & Certifications

    Children's Resource & Referral LOGO

    142

    Licensed Center-Based Programs

    Serving

    7,587

    Children

    818

    Licensed Family Child Care Programs

    Serving

    8,122

    Children

    15,709

    Total Children Served in Licensed Care

    VISION

    All Children will have access to high-quality, safe, nurturing and inclusive environments that build a foundation for life-long learning.

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    California Department of Social Services Child Care and Development Division CRRSBC ©2026. All rights reserved.

    Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.
    Funded by the California Department of Social Services Child Care and Development Division and through local grants.
    Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law.
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