Overview

Child Care Information Services (CCIS) is contracted by the Lancaster County Commissioners to administer the child care subsidy program (Child Care Works) for Lancaster County. CCIS supplies information on and access to safe, affordable, developmental child care services for low wage earning parents who are working, or enrolled in training or education programs. Subsidized child care is available to families with children from infancy to the age of 13. Older children ages 13 to 19 who are physically or emotionally disabled and unable to care for themselves can also receive subsidized child care. Resource and referral services are available to all Lancaster County residents free of charge regardless of household income.

The Lancaster County Commissioners fund the CCIS program using federal dollars passed through the Department of Public Welfare. Annually, CCIS provides subsidies for over 5,000 children and more than 2,000 families.

• Parent Choice of Providers - CCIS allows parents/caretakers to choose any type of child care facility (see list below,) assuming the provider is willing to participate. A portion of the cost of care (determined by income level) is paid directly to the provider by CCIS. Parents/caretakers make a weekly co-payment to the provider. Co-payments are based on family size and income (see below). Failure to pay the balance of the fee can jeopardize the parent's continued eligibility for the program. In some cases, providers can charge additional fees (i.e. cots and blankets, registration, field trips, etc.), which CCIS does not cover and would be the responsibility of the parent/caretaker to pay.

• Eligible Care Scenarios
  • Day Care Center - a state licensed facility providing child care for 7 or more children
  • Group Day Care Home - a state licensed facility providing child care for no more than 12 children
  • Family Day Care Home - a state certified family residence with one caregiver providing services for four to six children unrelated to the caregiver
  • Minimally Certified Day Care Home (unregulated) - a family residence with one caregiver providing service to three or fewer unrelated children with relatives or unrelated persons. CCIS does require the provider undergo criminal background checks and child abuse clearances before the provider can be reimbursed for child care.

Program Qualifications/Income Guidelines

In order to qualify for CCIS child care subsidies, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Each adult family member must work at least 20 hours per week or be enrolled in a state approved training program for at least 10 hours per week and be working at least 10 hours per week.
• The hours that a child may receive subsidized child care must coincide with the parents' hours of work, education or training.
• Eligibile families must earn below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. (see chart below)
• The parent is responsible for paying the child care provider the assigned co-payment. This co-payment varies according to income and the number of people in the family. Families only have one co-payment regardless of how many children they have in care. The provider bills CCIS for the balance due and CCIS makes the maximum child care allowance payment. This amount is usually in the range of $75 to $95 per week per child.
• Parents must report all income including child support.
• The Children and Youth Agency must refer foster families to the program. Income documentation is not necessary but hours worked must be validated.
• Teen parents must enroll in an approved program and attendance is required.
• Children from birth to age 13 are eligible for subsidies unless the child has been diagnosed as developmentally or physically delayed in which case they may be eligible through the age of 18 pending verification by a licensed physician.
• If funding is not available at time of application, the child will be placed on a waiting list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I lose my job while receiving CCIS subsidies?
A: If your receive welfare benefits, contact your welfare caseworker. For all others contact your CCIS eligibility specialist. You could be entitled up to 60 days of child care for involuntary loss of employment.

Q:Who can help me when I drop off my application for subsidy?
A: If you are dropping off an application and don't have time for someone to review it with you, drop it off with the CCIS receptionist. Applications can also be mailed or emailed to the CCIS office. Within 30 days, you will receive a letter telling you whether or not you are eligible to get help paying for child care.

Q:Who can help me apply for subsidy?
A: You can stop by the office for an application or download one from the link below. Call 717-393-4004 to have one mailed to you.

Q:Who can help me find a day care center near my home?
A: You may stop by the CCIS office and ask to speak to a resource and referral specialist or call 393-4004 and ask for extension 3103. Specialists are equipped with the most up-to-date information about licensed programs, including Keystone STARS rated programs, to meet your specific needs. Remember this service is FREE to all families.

Q:Who can help me if I need to change my day care provider?
A: Every eligible family is assigned an eligibility specialist. This person's name should be found with documents mailed to you previously but if you don't have them, the receptionist can quickly match your name to your assigned specialist. Call 393-4004 to speak with your eligibility specialist or to request a change in day care providers. Remember to notify your specialist before you change providers to prevent confusion over paying the correct provider.

Q:How does my day care become a CCIS provider?
A: If you represent a licensed center or in-home group care, or a family member, friend or neighbor caring for children funded by CCIS, call 717-393-4004, extension 3303.   Details are also available at www.compass.state.pa.us

CCIS Office Locations

Columbia
404-406 Chestnut St.
CCIS: P: 717.684.3333

Lancaster City

601 S. Queen Street

P: 717.393.4004

Contact

Other Related Links

Keystone Stars Quality Initiative - sponsored by the PA Dept. of Public Welfare's Office of Child Development is a quality improvement system through which all early learning programs and practitioners are encouraged and supported to improve child outcomes. Visit Website

Child care provider regulations (centers, family day care homes and group day care homes) Visit Website

Child Care Works - a PA Dept. of Public Welfare program that describes the state's subsidized child care as well as providing other valuable child care information. Visit Website

Children's Defense Fund - carries excellent information about public policy issues affecting child care and child development programs. Visit Website

Success by 6 - The United Way of Lancaster County's Success By 6 brings together volunteers from business, government, labor, education, health and social service agencies to leverage existing resources and take responsibility for making sure children get what they need to succeed. Visit Website

COMPASS - COMPASS is an online application for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs. Visit Website

Lancaster Association for the Education of Young Children - Lancaster group that serves and acts on behalf of the educational needs and rights of young children. Visit Website