5. I need child care, how do I know if I qualify for enrollment with CDA?
Answer: To qualify for the Full Day Preschool Program, families must be low income and have a qualifying need for services. To qualify for the Alternatiive Payment Program, families must be low income with a qualifying need, or a current CalWORKs cash aid recipient, or have received CalWORKs cash aid within the past 24 months. In addition, eligible parents must be working, seeking work, medically incapacitated, attending school or some type of vocational training, and/or be homeless and seeking permanent housing. Current CalWORKs cash aid recipients must be working or participating in an approved Welfare to Work Activity. Families who are active CPS or have a child(ren) who is at risk of neglect or abuse may also qualify for services.
6. If I have only received food stamps will this alone qualify me for child care assistance?
Answer: No, food stamps are not considered “CalWORKs cash-aid” assistance and this alone would not qualify you for child care assistance.
7. What are the income guidelines?
Answer: Your family’s gross income cannot exceed the amount listed on the chart below. Note: Parents must also have a qualifying need to be eligible for subsidized child care.
Eligibility Table
| Family Size |
1-2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
| Income |
$3,518 |
$3,769 |
$4,188 |
$4,858 |
$5,528 |
$5,653 |
$5,779 |
$5,904 |
$6,030 |
$6,156 |
$6,281 |
8. What is the age limit to receive child care services?
Answer: In CDA’s Full Day Preschool Program, 3 and 4 year old children are eligible until the start of kindergarten. In CDA’s Alternative Payment Program, children are eligible for child care services up until their 13th birthday. Children that reach the age of 13 and are still in need of child care services based on an Exceptional Need or who are Severely Disabled are required to submit additional documentation in order to continue receiving child care services. In CDA’s California State Preschool Program, children are eligible up until the start of the kindergarten school year.
9. How do I enroll for child care services?
Answer: Families must submit an application to the San Diego Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) at www.childcaresandiego.com.
Immediate openings are available for all current and former (within the past 24 months) CalWORKs recipients who meet the eligibility requirements. Contact us at (619) 427-4411 if you are currently a CalWORKs participant or have received CalWORKs within the last 24 months.
10. How long does it take for my name to be pulled from the Centralized Waiting List (CEL)?
Answer: There is no estimated length of time that families wait before receiving assistance. Whenever one of the state subsidized child care programs in the county has an opening, they will use the CEL to fill their vacancy. Participating programs prioritize family enrollments according to State regulations. Therefore it is critical that you keep your application (including contact information and income) on the CEL up-to-date at all times because it may affect your eligibility.
Placing your name and information on CEL does not mean you qualify for immediate assistance. Generally, enrollment into subsidized child care programs is based on family size and income with lower-income families having a higher probability of being called for assistance followed by moderate-income families. Being listed on the CEL does not guarantee child care assistance will be provided.
11. If my name is pulled from the CEL and I am scheduled an appointment does this mean that I am eligible for child care assistance?
Answer: If you have been scheduled an appointment you have met the preliminary eligibility screening. Once you meet with the Child Care Eligibility Specialist for a face to face appointment, they will verify your supporting eligibility documentation to make a complete determination of your family’s eligibility for child care services.
12.Does CDA provide a child care provider or can I choose my own?
Answer: The program allows eligible parents to choose the type of care they feel best meets the needs of their family. Parents may select a licensed child care center, a licensed family child care home, a before/after school program, a legally license-exempt provider such as a relative (i.e. grandparent, aunt or uncle) or a friend or neighbor.
13 Can you send me a list of child care providers?
Answer: Families are encouraged to use the following resources:
YMCA Child Care Resource Service:
For licensed child care provider referrals, call: (800) 481-2151
A representative is available Monday-Thursday: 8am-4pm and Friday: 8am-12pm. Child Care Consultants are also available to provide child care referrals in person at three YMCA locations in San Diego, National City and Vista.
Parents can also complete a referral request online or conduct an online search at:
http://www.crs.ymca.org/prog rams/resource-and-referral/child-care-referrals.html
Community Care Licensing:
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The Child Care Licensing Program licenses and monitors Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers in an effort to ensure that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children who are in day care. Parent’s have a right to obtain complaint information on a child care facility. Oliver’s Law requires that facilities provide complaint information to parents upon request. If you are interested in reviewing a licensed child care center or provider’s complaint record, or if you are interested in learning about licensing requirements, how to evaluate your child's care facility, or how to file a complaint visit: http://www.ccld.ca.gov/PG411.htm for additional information.
14. Can I transfer my child to another provider closer to my home/work?
Answer: Yes, a parent may request a change in child care providers by contacting their Child Care Eligibility Specialist.
15. Why was I transferred from Stage 1 to CDA?
Answer: Your case was transferred from Stage 1 to Child Development Associates as you have been “deemed stable” in your Welfare to Work participation.
16. Will there be an interruption in care when I am transferred from Stage 1 to CDA?
Answer: No, the process is “seamless” and there will be no break in child care when your case is being transferred from Stage 1 to CDA.
17. How often do I need to complete a recertification?
Answer: Families must complete a recertification at least once every 12 months.
18. Can I complete my recertification through the telephone?
Answer: No, a face-to-face recertification is not required.
19. Does CDA pay for transportation if I am required to go into the office and meet with my CES for an appointment?
Answer: No, CDA does not cover transportation costs.
Full Day Preschool Program – General Information
1. What if my child is not potty trained yet?
Answer: Work with your child at home, and when he or she is ready and has been successful at home with using the toilet then you may enroll. We will continue to help your child at the center once you enroll. A child who has identified special needs may be considered for admission without being potty trained.
2. What if my child has never parted from me before?
Answer: Separation anxiety is very real for some children. It is common for children to cling, have tears or even tantrums, however it usually doesn’t last for long. Our staff is experienced in helping clam separation anxiety. We work with each child and parent to find what works best for them.
3. What meals are served at the center?
Answer: All meals are included - breakfast is served at 8:30 to 9:00 AM, lunch is served from 11:30 to 12:00, and afternoon snack is served from 2:30 to 3:00 PM.
4. What type of foods are served?
Answer: We serve a wide variety of food that is nutritionally balanced. We serve all meals family style and children learn to serve themselves and make food choices for themselves.
5. What if my child has a food allergy?
Answer: With a doctor’s note we will make accommodations for your child’s food allergies.
6. Can my child bring in his or her own meals?
Answer: Because we participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program no outside food is allowed with the exception of a child who arrives at the center very early before breakfast and needs a healthy snack before we serve breakfast.
7. Do children nap at your center?
Answer: Yes, it is a California Community Care Licensing regulation that all children under the age of five rest for two hours after lunch.
8. Are children required to nap?
Answer: We can make special accommodations for children who do not nap. They will be able to rest by doing quiet activities.
9. Will my child learn to read and write?
Answer: Early literacy and writing skills are very much part of our curriculum and themes. The letter of the week is built into our activities throughout the day which include letter sounds and writing.
10. What is a typical day?
Answer: Preschool children learn through play, and a typical day provides children with a variety of supervised activities in our seven learning centers. For example, during indoor free choice time, children can decide to spend time in the art, block, dramatic play, and library, science, math, or computer areas. Outdoor free choice times include exercising gross motor activities such as gardening, woodworking, sand play and climbing on the play structures. Activities during Group Time are teacher-directed activities that go along with the theme for the week. Times are set for meals, snacks, and napping.
11. What happens when it rains and the children can not go outside?
Answer: Staff plans for this and include large motor activities to help children compensate for movement that they would usually do outside if the weather was nice.
12. What are the centers hours?
Answer: Our centers are open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday.
13. What if I can not pick up my child on time?
Answer: If you are unable to make it to the center on time to pick up your child, you will need to make arrangements for someone else to pick up your child for you.
14. What if I can not be the one to pick up my child on a certain day?
Answer: Children will only be released to those authorized persons named on the enrollment form by the enrolling parent.
15. What are the teacher’s qualifications?
Answer: All lead teachers have degrees in Early Childhood Education as well as permits issued by the California Teacher Credentialing Office.
16. Are your centers accredited?
Answer: Yes, all of our centers are accredited through the National Association of Young Children, NAEYC.
17. What is accreditation? For additional information on accreditation please follow this link:
http://www.naeyc.org/
18. Do outside visitors come in to the classroom?
Answer: Yes, we frequently do have students assisting teachers in the classroom. Many students are completing internship programs and others are practicum students receiving guidance from our teachers who are classroom mentors. Students also visit our centers to provide assistance as volunteers. All visitors sign in and must follow all CDA policies. Students and volunteers always work under the guidance of a staff member and are never alone with children.
19. Do you follow a curriculum?
Answer: Our curriculum is based on the standards set by the California Department of Education and conforms to what are developmentally appropriate practices for preschool aged children. Our curriculum includes literacy, science, math, social skills as well as art.
20. Do you meet the state standards?
Answer: Yes, we meet all of the State pre-school standards and we are reviewed regularly by the California Department of Education and Community Care Licensing.
21. What is the child/adult ratio?
Answer: Our child to teacher ratio is 8 to 1.
22. Are your centers licensed?
Answer: Yes, all of our centers are licensed through the California Dept. of Social Services, Community Care Licensing.
23. Where are your centers located?
Answer: We have centers in San Diego, National City and Chula Vista.
24. Is there a bus route by your center?
Answer: Yes, our centers are all located within walking distance of the bus service.
25. Do you have fieldtrips for the children?
Answer: Yes, we offer community based learning opportunities as well as having visitors come to the center.
26. Do you fundraise at your center?
Answer: We do occasionally hold fundraisers at our center – participation is strictly optional and is not required for families.
27. Do you celebrate holidays and children’s birthdays?
Answer: Yes, we do. As part of our multicultural curriculum we celebrate many different holidays throughout the year. Birthdays are very important to children and we want to help you make it special for your child. You will be given a list of options for celebrating birthdays at the center.
28. Who can I talk to if I have a question or concern?
Answer: We believe in frequent and open communications between parents and staff. You may first speak with your child’s teacher and if that does not resolve the issue the Site Supervisor and/ or the Program Director are available to help you.
29. What if I want to change centers because there is one closer to me?
Answer: All transfers between centers will be considered on a space available basis. You just need to let your Child Care Eligibility Specialist know what your needs are and they will work with you to make the best possible changes for you.
Child Care Food Program
1. What is the Child and Adult Care Food program?
Answer: The Child and Adult Care food Program (CACFP) is a nutrition education and reimbursement program for providers. In addition to receiving information and tips on nutrition and meal planning, CDA offers cash reimbursement to enrolled providers who serve nutritious meals to the children in their care. The Federal government recognizes the importance of good nutrition and physical activity for all children and the CACFP was born out of the desire to improve the lives of children by supporting providers who serve fresh, high quality meals and snacks. CDA shares that belief and will help you maximize the benefit to your business and to the children you serve. Reimbursement is based on rates set by the State and is received monthly for each child and meal that you serve.
2. What are the Requirements for Participation?
Answer: In order to participate in the CACFP providers must: be licensed or listed with TrustLine agree to follow the basic Federal and State regulations and requirements.
3. What is TrustLine?
Answer: TrustLine is California's registry of in-home child care providers, tutors and in-home counselors who have passed a background screening. It was created by the California Legislature in 1987 and is a powerful resource for parents hiring a caregiver. All caregivers listed with TrustLine have been cleared through a fingerprint check of records at the California Department of Justice. This means they have no disqualifying criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California. TrustLine is administered by the California Department of Social Services and the non-profit Child Care Resource and Referral Network. It is endorsed by the California Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Do I need to be income eligible in order to participate in the program?
Answer: No, all licensed and TrustLine providers are eligible to participate.
5. Do the children in my care need to be income eligible?
Answer: All children from birth to their 13th birthday, regardless of the family’s income, are eligible to participate in the program.
6. How do I know if the area that I live in qualifies me to participate?
Answer: Providers in all areas are qualified to participate as long as they have a license or are listed with TrustLine. There are, however, two different reimbursement rates, depending on the area in which you live and other eligibility factors.
7. What are the two reimbursement rates?
Answer: Reimbursement rates are based on the school boundary within which the provider lives. If the school is in an area where fewer than 50% of the students are eligible to receive free/reduced price meals then the provider is reimbursed at a lower Tier I rate. If the school percentage is higher than 50% the provider will receive a higher reimbursement rate, or Tier II, for the meals they serve in their home. The provider may also qualify for a higher reimbursement rate if she submits an income application and her personal income is below a level set by the State. Individual children who meet the income eligibility requirements may also qualify for the higher Tier II reimbursement rates.
8. How do I Sign Up?
Answer: The process to join CDA’s Nutrition Program is completed in the provider’s home at a time that is convenient for the provider. In addition to regular business hours, early evening and Saturday morning appointments are also available for your convenience. Please contact us at (619) 427-4922 for more details or to schedule an appointment.
9. What paperwork will be required?
Answer: USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) regulates the program and requires that providers complete paperwork on a daily basis. That means that each day you will need to document the attendance of the children to whom you have served meals or snacks, and document the foods you have served for the meals you are claiming. When you initially sign a child up for care in your home, the parents will complete an enrollment form to enroll their child on CDA’s food program. Then at least once a year the parent will re-enroll their child to verify they are still in your care and are being fed the meals you are claiming. At the end of each month you submit your Attendance and Menu forms along with any new Enrollment forms to our office. We process those forms and you are reimbursed for the meals that you have served as long as they meet the guidelines. We provide you with forms or you may claim on-line, and we train you in the best way to keep your paperwork up-to-date to ensure maximum reimbursement.
10. How will I know what to serve and how much?
Answer: Providers are trained on all of the rules and regulations at the initial sign up. You will receive a provider Handbook for your reference that explains which foods are reimbursable and in what amounts and combinations they need to be served. The “USDA meal Plan” in your handbook gives exact specifications by age group so that you can be sure you are serving the proper foods. You will receive training and guidance on menu planning and food selection as often as you need it and you will most likely find that you will be able to serve most of the foods you are accustomed to.
11. What if the children that I care for are only here for a few hours after school but not here for dinner?
Answer: PM snack is a reimbursable meal that you can choose to serve between lunch and dinner. If a child is enrolled and in attendance at the time the provider serves PM Snack, the child can be claimed for that meal.
12. What if I have a child in the program with food allergies who can not eat the same foods as some of the other children?
Answer: When a child is allergic to a food, it needs to be replaced with something providing similar nutritional value that the child is able to eat. The parent will need to get a Dr.’s approval in writing in order to replace the food.
13. Am I reimbursed for infants?
Answer: Yes, the reimbursement you receive is the same for each meal whether the child is an infant, preschooler, or school-age child. The menu requirements and amounts are, of course, different for each age group.
14. What if an infant in my care is only on formula or breast milk?
Answer: Providers are reimbursed for formula when they provide it and for the “labor” of feeding the formula/breast milk if the parent provides it.
15. Can parents sign up for the program?
Answer: Only a licensed or listed TrustLine child care provider can sign up for the program; children can receive the benefit only through their child care provider.
16. How is this program better than having the parents bring food for their children?
Answer: When all children are served provider prepared meals, parents can be sure that the meals served meet the high standards for quality and nutrition set by the USDA. Children will have the opportunity to experience foods that they may not be exposed to at home and there will be no jealousy between children who are eating different foods from home.
17. Are the Nutrition Program forms available on CDA’s website?
Answer: Providers who do not claim on-line must use scannable forms to submit meal and attendance information for reimbursement. Forms will be available to you when you sign up and must be requested from the office if you need more. The forms that are available on the website can be used as a substitute if you are waiting for forms to be mailed to you but the information must be transferred to the scannable forms prior to submission. Many providers find that online claiming is a faster and simpler way to complete the paperwork requirements.
Alternative Payment Program – Provider Services and Reimbursement
1. Does my provider have to have direct deposit?
Answer: Yes, it is mandatory for all providers to be on direct deposit.
2. Can my relative or friend be paid to care for my children while I am at work?
Answer: Yes, a non-licensed provider is called an exempt provider and that person can care for only one family.
3. What is TrustLine?
Answer: TrustLine was created by the California Legislature to offer parents, employment agencies, child care Resources and Referral programs, and child care providers access to a background check conducted by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This includes a check of the California Criminal History System and Child Abuse Center Index at the California Dept of Justice and a check of Federal Bureau of Investigation records. The TrustLine Registry is maintained by CDSS and may be checked through the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network by calling 1-800-822-8490.
4. What if my provider was DENIED or CLOSED on the TrustLine Registry?
Answer: The parent would need to choose a new provider.
5. How do I change child care providers?
Answer: The parent must contact his/her Child Care Eligibility Specialist to request any changes.
6. I am providing child care for a family that is receiving subsidized child care through CDA, am I considered an employee of CDA?
Answer: No, Providers are self-employed and the contract (if any) is between the parent and the provider. Providers are not considered an employee of CDA.
7. What is a 1099 form?
Answer: All reimbursements to child care providers are reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). At the end of the calendar year, the child care provider will be given a Form 1099 (Statement of Non-Employee Earnings) stating the total funds received from CDA during that calendar year. 1099s will be issued each January to all child care providers who have been paid over $600 the previous year.
8. When do I receive my 1099 form?