Frequently Asked Questions to CEL

What is the centralized eligibility list?
The CEL is a list of parents who are eligible for subsidized child care services through out Kern County.

Do I qualify for subsidized child care?
You must meet low-income requirements, based on income and family size, as established by the California Department of Education—Child Development Division. For many participating agencies that access CEL, there must be a child care need based on one or more of the following:

  • Employment
  • Enrollment in school or a training program leading to employment.
  • Incapacitation– unable to care for your child for a part of the day.
  • Referral by a social service agency legally qualified professional describing a family crisis which places the child(ren) at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  • Half-day enrichment program for 4 year olds.

How can I get subsidized care? What happens after I apply?
After you complete and submit an application, your name is placed on the centralized eligibility list and you’re given a rank number. You will receive a confirmation letter with your rank and ID number.

Do children with exceptional needs have priority?
Some participating agency programs do give children with exceptional needs priority.

What is a rank number?
Each applicant receives a rank number according to family size and monthly income. Rank numbers range from 1-66. There are many families at each rank number. Your rank number does not change unless your income or family size changes.

Are foster children given priority?
No. Foster children tend to have a lower rank number because the countable income is only the foster care payment or the cash aid received for the child(ren).

What income sources count?
Wages, salaries, profit from self-employment, child support, general support, cash aid (TANF or CalWORKS), social security survivor benefits, worker’s compensation, disability insurance payments, pensions or annuities and veteran’s benefits.

What happens if my information changes?
Call us immediately with any change in family size, income, address, phone number.

How long is the wait?
The wait varies. It is not possible to give you a timeline. Enrollments into participating agency programs happen only when agencies have child care slots available.

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