CalWORKs Programs

This program provides child care to CalWORKs families when they first become engaged in welfare-to-work activities. The California Department of Social Services administers the Stage One Child Care program through county welfare departments and families enrolled in Stage One are able pay for in-home license-exempt child care with their Stage One voucher. Families can stay in Stage One Child Care until they have been off cash aid for 24 months. For more information about Stage One Child Care, please visit our CalWORKs child care webpage.

CalWORKs families move to this program when the county welfare department determines they are stable. Families can remain in Stage Two or Stage One until they have been off cash aid for 24 months. CDSS contracts with Alternative Payment Program (APP) agencies to administer Stage Two. Small portions of the services in Stage Two are also administered by the California Community College system through on-campus centers or vouchers for students. Families in Stage Two are not able to pay for in-home license-exempt child care with their voucher. For more information about Stage Two Child Care, please visit our CalWORKs child care webpage.

Families that have exhausted 24 months of CalWORKs Stage One or CalWORKs Stage Two Child Care after they have been off cash aid transition to Stage Three Child Care. This program provides care if funding is available, and if the family's income remains at or below 85% of the state median income. CDSS contracts with Alternative Payment Program agencies to administer this program. Families in Stage Three are not able to pay for in-home license-exempt child care with their voucher. or more information about Stage Three Child Care, please visit our CalWORKs child care webpage.

CalWORKs cash aid recipients are eligible for Stage One and Stage Two child care based on their eligibility for cash aid and need.  Stages One and Two services are an entitlement; however, Stage Three services are dependent on fund availability.