Welcome to CEL!

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The cost of paying for child care is a major consideration for many Kern County families. Kern County families eligible for financial assistance to cover part or all of their child care costs now have a new source of help locate child care assistance with the Child Care Centralized Eligibility List of Kern County (CEL)!

The Kern County CEL maintains a county-wide eligibility ("waiting") list for all participating subsidized child care programs allowing families to sign up for all child care subsidy programs at one time and in one place!

Benefits of the CEL

Traditionally, subsidized child care and development programs, Alternative Payment Programs and Head Start programs maintained their own waiting list of income-eligible families. What this meant is that if a family wanted a better chance at receiving help with their child care expenses, the family had to apply for services with all agencies. Each time there was a change to the family's file, the family would have to contact all agencies to update their file.

With the CEL...

  • Famlies can now enroll just once, at a single point, and automatically gain access to many possible openings
  • Families can have access to all programs for which they qualify, expanding their opportunity to access subsidized care
  • Participating child development programs can use the CEL to help them quickly identify the most eligible families seeking subsidized child care services to fill their vacancies
  • Public administrators and policy makers can make better decisions about programming and resource allocation because they have data on the supply and demand for subsidized child care

    How to Apply

    There are several convenient ways to apply:
    • Visit any of the participating CDD child development programs and complete an application
    • Call 661.861.5301, 661.861.5310 or 661.861.5315 or visit Community Connection for Child Care at 2000 24th Street in Bakersfield
    • Download the CEL application, then print out, complete, and return it to CEL of Kern County, Community Connection for Child Care, 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

      Download the application here:

      All options will result in your child(ren) being placed on the list if you meet the eligibility requirements. However, acceptance into the CEL does not guarantee that your family will be enrolled. Before enrollment, families will be required to submit proof of need. Depending on program services, eligibility vary; usually the most needy are served first regardless of how long others have been on the list.

    We're just a telephone call away. Give us a call at 661.861.5310 or 877.861.5200 (toll free). We're happy to help!

    2009 Literacy Calendar

    With the generous support the CCCC Resource & Referral, the 2009 Literacy Calendar provides developmentally appropriate early learning opportunities, promotes early childhood literacy and improves children's school readiness.

    Available on-line, the calendar offers parents and providers daily and weekly low-cost activities to do with infants and preschoolers of all abilities to encourage children to explore the world around them. The calendar also features literacy enrichment advice, storytelling tips, snack ideas and arts and crafts each month.

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