Yes, Los Angeles families seeking help with child care costs have several resources available. Navigating child care can be challenging, especially when considering the financial aspect. Fortunately, various programs in Los Angeles County are designed to assist families in accessing affordable and quality day care services. These programs are typically administered through local agencies and funded by state and federal initiatives.
Two primary types of agencies in Los Angeles County can guide you through the process of finding and accessing daycare assistance: Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies and Alternative Payment Program (APP) agencies. Understanding the role of each can streamline your search for the right support.
Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies, funded by the California Department of Education, act as information hubs for parents. They provide referrals to licensed child care providers, offering personalized lists based on your location, needs, and preferences. R&R agencies can answer your questions about child care options, licensing, and community resources related to family support. They do not directly provide financial assistance but are the best first point of contact to understand the landscape of child care in Los Angeles.
Alternative Payment Program (APP) agencies, on the other hand, are contracted by the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) to administer the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care Program. This program offers financial reimbursements to child care providers on behalf of eligible families. If you qualify for CalWORKs Stage 1, an APP agency will manage the payments to your chosen licensed child care provider, making child care more affordable.
To connect with these valuable resources in Los Angeles, here is a list of local R&R/APP agencies:
Child Care Resource Center Antelope Valley – R&R/APP
250 Grand Cypress Avenue
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 789-1200
Child Care Resource Center San Fernando Valley – R&R/APP
20001 Prairie Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 717-1000
Connections for Children – R&R/APP
5901 W. Century Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 452-3202
Crystal Stairs – R&R/APP
5110 West Goldleaf Circle, Suite 150
Los Angeles, CA 90056
(888) 543-7247
(323) 299-8998
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation – R&R/APP
5100 S. Eastern Ave
Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 890-1555
Options for Learning – R&R/APP
13100 Brooks Drive #100
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
(626) 856-5900
Pathways – R&R/APP
889 South Figueroa Street, Suite 601
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 427-2700
Pomona Unified School District – R&R/APP
1460 East Holt Avenue, Suite 174
Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 397-4740
City of Norwalk – APP
11929 Alondra Boulevard
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-1713
Drew Child Development Corporation – APP
1411 W 190th Street, Suite 400
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 609-3885
International Institute of Los Angeles – APP
3845 Selig Place
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 224-3800
For broader information and additional support, consider reaching out to these organizations:
- The California Child Care Resource & Referral Network: Call (800) KIDS-793 or visit www.rrnetwork.org for statewide resources.
- The Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA): Toll-free at (888) 92-CHILD or online at www.ccala.net for local advocacy and information.
- My 211LA: Dial 211 or visit www.211la.org for a wide range of health and human services, including child care assistance referrals.
Finding affordable day care in Los Angeles is achievable with the help of these dedicated agencies and programs. Start by contacting an R&R agency to understand your options and explore potential eligibility for assistance programs through an APP agency. These resources are in place to support families and ensure children have access to quality care.
