(844-745-7735)

Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC)

How does it work?

If you qualify:

  • ELRC will pay part of your child care costs – this is called a subsidy.
  • The subsidized child care program allows parents to choose any participating regulated child care program.
  • It does not cost you more to choose a high quality child care or pre-K program for your child.
  • If funding is unavailable at the time you apply, your child may be placed on a wait list until additional funding becomes available.

Set your child up to succeed by calling 844-PHL-preK for help applying.

Am I Eligible?

You are likely eligible for a child care subsidy if:

  • You must live in Pennsylvania
  • Have a child or children who need child care while you work or attend an education program
  • Meet income guidelines for your family size (see below)
  • Work 20 or more hours a week or
  • Work 10 hours a week and train 10 hours a week
  • Have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your application for subsidized child care
  • Teen parents must attend an education program
  • The child who needs care must be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency
  • Have proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home
  • Have proof that each person on your application is a member of your family
Family Size
Maximum Yearly Family Income (2019)
2 $33,820
3 $42,660
4 $51,500
5 $60,340
6 $69,180
7 $78,020
8 $86,860

Note:
*Foster Parents may not have to meet income requirements.
* A live-in companion is only counted in the household if he/she is a parent of a child living in the household for whom the subsidy is being sought. If a non-parent is living in the household and is married to the parent, then they also must meet eligibility guidelines.

* A live-in companion is only counted in the household if he/she is a parent of a child living in the household for whom the subsidy is being sought. If a non-parent is living in the household and is married to the parent, then they also must meet eligibility guidelines.

How to Apply

Apply for the subsidy by

  • Contacting the ELRC directly at 1 888-461-KIDS (5437) and an ELRC Specialist will assist you.
  • To apply for subsidized child care on line, please visit the state’s online Compass website.
  • You may also print a subsidized child care application and mail or drop off to your closest ELRC office. Learn more on the ELRC website.

Where can I learn more?

For more information:

other available funding

Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC)
The ELRC helps qualified families pay for child care fees
Early Head Start
Early Head Start (EHS) provides no-cost full day/full year child care for eligible families and their children under the age of 3.
Head Start
Head Start (HS) provides no-cost full day/full year child care for eligible families and their children ages 3 to 5 at agencies in your local community.
Pre-K Counts
Pre-K Counts provides no cost pre-kindergarten education for eligible children ages 3 to 5.
PHLpreK
PHLpreK provides locally funded, affordable pre-K programs for 3 and 4 year olds.