DELCO Child Care COVID Support

Geographic Scope: Delaware County, PA only

Focus Areas: Child care assistance to reduce tuition costs for eligible families

Program Overview

This program provides tuition assistance to families in Delaware County, PA by reimbursing approved Early Care and Education (ECE) programs $40.00 per scheduled service day per approved child. Families must have a fee agreement with an approved DHS-licensed ECE program and meet income guidelines based on family size.

Eligibility (Families)

• Must reside in Delaware County, PA
• Children must be ages 0-13 years old
• Must have a fee agreement with an approved DHS-licensed ECE program participating in the program
• Must not currently or previously have received funding through this program since February 2022
• Children must not be receiving subsidy through CCW/CCIS or CAO
• Gross annual income must fall within the following limits:
  • Family size 2: $74,220 maximum
  • Family size 3: $83,520 maximum
  • Family size 4: $92,760 maximum
  • Family size 5: $100,200 maximum
  • Family size 6: $107,640 maximum
  • Family size 7: $115,080 maximum
• At least one reason for needing child care must apply (employment, school enrollment, illness/death of caregiver, foster care/adoption, grandparent caregiver, etc.)
• Must live in Delaware County, PA (or be experiencing homelessness/in shelter/transitional housing with proper documentation)

Eligibility (ECE Programs)

• Must be physically located in Delaware County, PA
• Must have active DHS license in good standing with no violations
• Must provide MPI ID
• Must provide complete, signed, and recently dated W-9
• Must submit attendance invoices within 5 business days of receipt
• Must attest that $40.00 per scheduled service day per approved child will be applied to reduce family payment
• Families cannot receive funds from CCW/CCIS or CAO

Funding Process

• ECE programs submit applications with DHS Certificate and W-9
• Each site requires a separate application
• CCPN reviews applications and notifies programs of approval/ineligibility
• Families then submit their own application and wait for approval
• Upon child approval, ECE programs begin reducing tuition by $40.00 per scheduled service day
• Maximum funding: up to 5 days per week
• ECE programs receive monthly attendance invoices
• Payments issued via check after invoice processing and attendance verification

What They Fund

• $40.00 per scheduled service day per approved child (includes present days, absences for any reason, and holidays up to 10 per calendar year)

What They Don't Fund

• Programs outside Delaware County
• Programs without active DHS licenses in good standing
• Children receiving other subsidies (CCW/CCIS or CAO)
• Families exceeding income thresholds
• Children over 13 years old
• Children already previously funded by this program

Contact Information

• Mailing: PO Box 5355, Springfield, PA 19064

Family Application Process

1. Verify Eligibility
   • Read the Eligibility Guidelines
   • Confirm your child(ren) have a fee agreement with an approved DHS-licensed ECE program in Delaware County
   • Check that your family income is within guidelines
   • Verify you have not previously received funding since February 2022
2. Gather Required Supporting Documents (in image file format: JPG, PNG, etc.)
   • Proof of Address (lease, utility bill, deed, rental agreement, state photo ID, driver's license, or voter registration card)
   • Proof of Fee Agreement (from approved ECE program)
   • Proof of Income (recent pay stubs showing all household income sources, or Income Attestation if no income)
3. Complete Application Parts
   • Part 1: Parent/Guardian information including name, email, phone, and home address in Delaware County
   • Part 2: Family and children information (total adults, total children needing/not needing funding)
   • Part 3: ECE Program information (program name, director/owner, address, and any additional schedule information)
   • Part 4: Upload supporting documents (Proof of Address, Fee Agreement, Income)
   • Part 5: Indicate reasons for needing child care (employment, school, illness/death, foster care, grandparent caregiver, other) and confirm funding allows return to work or continuation of work
   • Part 6: Complete and sign attestation confirming all information is accurate and true
   • Part 7: Submit application
4. Verification Process
   • CCPN reviews application
   • May request additional documents if needed
   • Sends email notice of approval, ineligibility, or request for additional information