Organizations throughout Stanislaus County operate state or federally funded programs that provide care for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. These organizations access a database of families who have applied for a program or have applied to get help paying for care. This page was designed to learn about the programs available to eligible families and how to apply.
Program
Overview
Videos
(Use the arrow on the right side of the photo to scroll through the different program videos)
3 Ways to Apply
1. Call
(209) 238-6400
2) In-Person:
3) Apply Online
NOTE: Head Start and State program eligibility guidelines are below.
Program Eligibility Guidelines
State and federal early education programs have eligibility rules that organizations must follow to enroll children and families. Income is one way to be eligible. To determine your income eligibility, refer to the chart below. Identify the number of family members in your household and the maximum amount of income allowable to qualify for the various funded programs.
Income is not the only category a family may qualify under. A family may be eligible if they are homeless, current cash aid recipient, open child protective service case or identified as being at-risk. Some children may enroll if their family income is over the guidelines.
All programs enroll children with disabilities.
HEAD START
Effective January 19, 2023
| Family Size | Gross Annual Income | 130% |
|---|---|---|
Other Qualifying Factors: Homeless, Cash Aid Recipient, SNAP Recipient, Foster Children & Children with Disabilities
CDSS STATE PROGRAMS 85% SMI
Effective July 1, 2023
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income | Gross Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
Other Qualifying Factors: CPS, At-Risk, Cash Aid Recipient & Homeless.
CDE STATE PROGRAMS 100% SMI
Effective July 1, 2023
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income | Gross Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
Other Qualifying Factors: CPS, At-Risk, Cash Aid Recipient & Homeless. in addition, for part-day CSPP over income exceptional needs child
CDE STATE PROGRAM 15% OVER SMI
Effective July 1, 2023
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
Note: CPS, At-Risk, Cash Aid Recipient & Homeless. In addition, over income exceptional needs child.
NOTE: For approved CSPP sites operating within the attendance boundaries of a qualified Free & Reduced Priced Meal (FRPM) school, 4 year old children whose families reside within the attendance boundary of a qualified FRPM elementary school may enroll without establishing eligibility or need, once all eligible children are served.
STATE AND FEDERAL EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM LOCATIONS
There are 17 agencies in Stanislaus County that operate state or federally funded programs, with numerous child care and development sites. This document provides a quick snapshot of the agencies, their locations, programs and contact information.