The Child Care Choice (CCC) Resource Navigation Program is dedicated to assisting low-income families within Snohomish County. This crucial program opens doors for these families to access and maintain high-quality, licensed child care. This support is specifically available while parents or guardians are actively engaged in job seeking or participating in activities that boost their employment readiness and job training.
Group of diverse children playing, representing child care and early education
Is Your Family Eligible for Child Care Choice Tuition Assistance?
The Child Care Choice Program offers short-term tuition assistance, but funds are limited. To determine if your family qualifies for this vital support, several criteria must be met. Eligibility for the Child Care Choice Program requires that you:
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Reside within Snohomish County.
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Have a household income at or below 60% of the Snohomish County Area Median Income (AMI). You can review the 2024 Snohomish County AMI chart here to see if you meet this income requirement.
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Be currently unemployed, actively participating in job seeking activities, engaged in employment, and/or involved in job training programs.
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Be enrolled in one or more of the following assistance programs, which can further qualify you for the Child Care Choice program:
- Children’s Health Insurance Program
- Childcare Subsidies through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Free and Reduced-Price Lunch (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast (SBP)
- Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidies
- Supplemental Security Income
- Head Start or Early Head Start
- Section 8 Vouchers
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Pell Grants
- Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP)
- State Food Assistance Program (FAP)
- LEP Pathway
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
- PUD Electric and Water Rate Discount
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
If you believe your family might be eligible for child care tuition assistance through the Child Care Choice Program, take the next step. Discover how the Child Care Choice program has helped other families to see the real-world impact of this support.
For any questions about eligibility or to start your application, please email the Child Care Choice Navigators at [email protected] to schedule an intake appointment.
Steps to Access Child Care Choice Assistance
The Child Care Choice Program is designed to be a supportive and straightforward process. Here are the steps involved in accessing tuition assistance:
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Complete an Intake: Your journey begins with an intake session with a Child Care Choice Navigator. During this meeting, you will provide household information, demographic details, and discuss your individual circumstances. This information is crucial to determine your eligibility for the program.
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Locating Child Care: Finding the right child care is a key step. Child Care Choice Navigators will provide you with a comprehensive list of licensed child care providers in your local area. They will also offer support and guidance as you tour potential centers, helping you find child care that perfectly suits your family’s unique needs.
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Issuing Vouchers: Once you have selected a child care provider that is the right fit for your family, the Child Care Choice Navigators will handle the logistics of tuition payments. They will issue tuition vouchers directly to your chosen child care program on your behalf, simplifying the financial process for you.
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Monthly Check-In: To ensure ongoing support and program effectiveness, Child Care Choice Navigators will connect with you at least once a month. These check-ins are an opportunity to confirm your continued job-seeking efforts, discuss any changes in your situation (such as budgeting, food assistance, or utilities), and to ensure that the chosen child care arrangement remains a positive and suitable fit for your family.
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Exit Survey: Your feedback is valuable! After you complete the Child Care Choice Program, you will be asked to participate in a brief exit survey at 30 days and again at 3 months post-program. This survey helps to assess the program’s impact and effectiveness in supporting families like yours in achieving employment and financial stability.
Meet Your Dedicated Child Care Choice Navigators
The Child Care Choice Program is supported by a team of passionate and experienced Child Care Choice Navigators who are ready to assist you.
Liz Steele | Child Care Choice Navigator, Snohomish County | (564) 565-0235
Liz brings a wealth of experience from over two decades in early childhood education. Her roles have included center director and various positions where she partnered with families. Liz is deeply committed to supporting families in Snohomish County and finds great reward in her role as a Child Care Choice Navigator. Liz is a lifelong resident of Snohomish County and resides in Lake Stevens with her family.
Chelsey Cragin | Child Care Choice Navigator, Snohomish County | (564) 565-0237
Chelsey’s passion for supporting youth and families in child care settings stems from her own lived experiences. Having overcome challenges as a teen mom, Chelsey is driven to help others persevere and grow. Her professional background includes roles as a Youth Counselor, Caregiver, and Case Manager in community health settings. Chelsey is dedicated to connecting families with available resources and empowering them to reach their full potential. Beyond her role as a Child Care Choice Navigator, Chelsey enjoys nature, cooking, and family time.
Reach out to Liz or Chelsey today to learn more about how the Child Care Choice Program can support your family’s journey towards employment and quality child care.
