The Centralized Eligibility List provides a single place where parents can apply for several state funded child care and development services.

Eligibility for most programs is based on income, family size and need. These needs include: employment, looking for work, school or training, and medical incapacitation. Some programs may only serve certain age groups, while some serve children to age 12. The CEL will help you apply for the services that best meet your family's needs.

Due to limited funding these programs cannot serve all eligible families, so families are placed on an "eligibility list" (the CEL). When there is an opening for services on one of the programs, the Program Coordinator will look on this list for families that meet their program's requirements.

Traditionally, state programs have kept their own individual lists and families have had to apply to multiple lists to find support. This Centralized List combines the state Child Care Alternative Payment Programs, After School Programs as well as State Preschool. Head Start programs may also participate in the list.

Acceptance onto this eligibility list does not guarantee that you will be enrolled. Before enrollment, families will be required to submit proof of income and need. Depending on program services, eligibility varies; usually the most needy are served first, regardless of how long others have been on the list.

Until you are enrolled on a program, you will need to pay for your child care if the care facility requires you to pay for it.