Help paying for childcare
Overview
The Alternative Payment Program contributes to the cost of child care for low to moderate income families at a location of their choice. These programs, administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) are state and federally funded.

Qualifying for the Alternative Payment Program
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
We know that finding affordable child care is essential for your family, and waiting can be difficult.
When you apply to the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL), you are taking an important step.
However, due to limited funding, not every eligible family will receive subsidized care right away.
Openings become available over time, and families are prioritized based on various enrollment criteria such as income and family size. It’s important to know that the list is not first come, first served, how long you’ve been waiting does not determine when you will be contacted.
While being on the list does not guarantee immediate services, staying active on the list ensures you can be considered when funding becomes available.
You are not alone in this process, and we are here to support you.
Families should apply to our Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) which will allow multiple subsidized programs in Napa County to access your information when they have an opening. This will improve your chances of obtaining financial assistance with your child care costs. Eligibility for the Alternative Payment Program (APP) is determined by family income and size as well as the need for child care. The need for child care may include employment, seeking employment, seeking housing, attending school, and medical incapacitation. The Alternative Payment Program serves children ages 0-12.11 years old, and beyond if child has specifically identified special needs.
Click here to sign up on the CEL waitlist todayWe know that finding affordable child care is essential for your family, and waiting can be difficult.
When you apply to the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL), you are taking an important step.
However, due to limited funding, not every eligible family will receive subsidized care right away.
Openings become available over time, and families are prioritized based on various enrollment criteria such as income and family size. It’s important to know that the list is not first come, first served, how long you’ve been waiting does not determine when you will be contacted.
While being on the list does not guarantee immediate services, staying active on the list ensures you can be considered when funding becomes available.
While you wait, we encourage you to:
• Keep your information current
• Watch for calls or emails about available openings
• Reach out - we can help explore other child care options and resources
You are not alone in this process, and we are here to support you.
Families should apply to our Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) which will allow multiple subsidized programs in Napa County to access your information when they have an opening. This will improve your chances of obtaining financial assistance with your child care costs. Eligibility for the Alternative Payment Program (APP) is determined by family income and size as well as the need for child care. The need for child care may include employment, seeking employment, seeking housing, attending school, and medical incapacitation. The Alternative Payment Program serves children ages 0-12.11 years old, and beyond if child has specifically identified special needs.
For more information, please contact us at (707)253-0376 or at info@crcnapa.org.
Other Child Care Options
Free and Low-Cost Preschool in Napa County
- CANV Kids Child and Family Development Center - Old Sonoma RoadMust apply via the CEL or call (707) 253-6122
- CANV Kids Child and Family Development Center – Myrtle AvenueMust apply via the CEL or call (707) 253-6122
- Napa Valley College Child Development CenterContact the college directly - (707) 256-7042
- Napa Preschool Program (Napa County Office of Education)Must apply via the CEL and contact NCOE (707) 253-6915
- Child StartContact Child Start directly - (707) 252-8931
Program Eligibility
| Under $6,860 | Under $7,785 | Under $9,020 | Under $10,463 | Under $11,906 | Under $12,117 | Under $12,447 | Under $12,718 | Under $12,988 | Under $13,259 | Under $13,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
CPS/At Risk Eligibility:
Referral from a partnering agency for children
who are experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or are at risk
experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, and childcare services will
reduce this risk.
Categorical Eligibility:
Certified to receive benefits in Means Tested Government Program (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CA Food Assistance Program, CA WIC, Federal Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, Head Start, Early Head Start)
CHILD CARE OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 0-5
CAPP
California Alternative Payment Program, eligible Napa County families who apply through our Centralized Eligibility Waitlist.
Stage 1
CalWORKs child care is intended for participants who are within the first six months of CalWORKs benefits, currently on cash-aid.
C2AP
CalWORKs child care is intended for participants whose employment or welfare-to-work activity has stabilized or who are otherwise transitioning off cash aid.
C3AP
CalWORKs child care is for former or current participants who have to transition from their 24 months in stage 1 and/or Stage 2.
Bridge
Napa County Dependent Children in out of home placements, referred by Napa County’s Child Welfare Services.