Program Qualifications

For more information contact our Subsidy Coordinator, Diana Paulding, at (650) 493-2361 ext 21 or email her at .

PACCC’s Subsidy Program

State and City Subsidized Child Development Program

In keeping with our mission, PACCC seeks opportunities to develop funding resources and outreach for low-income families in the local community.

PACCC contracts with the City of Palo Alto and the State of California (through the Palo Alto Unified School District) to receive subsidized funding for qualifying families in exchange for quality child development services.

City of Palo Alto Subsidy (CPA)

The city of Palo Alto provides “low-income families with subsidies to acquire child care services. These child care services will enable parents to work or attend school and provide for their families, as well as support their children’s developmental needs.” These subsidized child care services are provided through PACCC child care centers, afterschool programs and PACCC affiliate providers.

For qualifying and application information, click here.

State of California Department of Education (CDE)

The state of California provides child development subsidies for low-income families through the Child Development Division. The overall mission of the CDE is to provide “leadership, assistance, oversight and resources so that every Californian has access to an education that meets world-class standards”.

For qualifying and application information, click here.

Eligibility/Waiting List

Once a family completes and returns an Eligibility List Application, the family is ranked according to income and family size and placed on the waiting list for subsidized child care. Due to the great number of families at the middle to higher income levels (when compared to the state median income levels) in the Palo Alto area, the wait can be quite long for those families (i.e., 6 months to 2 years). However, for single parents and others ranking at the low-income levels, the wait may be shorter.

To keep your application updated, it is suggested that you call to report on any changes or check your waiting list status once every three months. Call the Subsidy Coordinator, Diana Paulding, at 650-493-2361 ext 21 or email her at .

Locating Child Care

To locate a PACCC center, visit the page for PACCC Centers. You may call a PACCC center to set up a tour. Please notify them that you are currently waiting for subsidized funding. Due to the required documentation and eligibility verification process, the Subsidy Coordinator is the only PACCC administrator to secure enrollment for your family. To locate child care in Palo Alto generally, the City of Palo Alto keeps an updated list of all care providers. Click here to visit their site.

Alternative Payment Programs

If PACCC subsidy funds are unavailable, if you live outside an area served by PACCC, or if you would like to find alternative funding for any other reason, the following agencies/resources may be of assistance to you.

Many counties provide child care subsidies for foster children. Check with your county social services office for information.