The Child Care Choice (CCC) Resource Navigation Program is designed to support Snohomish County families with limited income in accessing or maintaining high-quality, licensed child care. This crucial assistance is available while parents are actively seeking employment or participating in job readiness and job training activities.
Visual representation of Child Care Choice program partnerships and support for families in Snohomish County
Is Your Family Eligible for Child Care Choice Tuition Assistance?
Limited funds are currently available for child care tuition assistance through the Child Care Choice Program. To determine if your family qualifies for this short-term support, you must meet the following criteria:
- Reside within Snohomish County.
- Have a household income at or below 60% of the Snohomish County Area Median Income (AMI). You can view the 2024 Snohomish County AMI chart here.
- Be unemployed and actively engaged in job seeking, employment, or job training activities.
- Alternatively, enrollment in any of the following assistance programs can also establish eligibility:
- 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)
Read inspiring stories of families supported by the Child Care Choice program.
If you believe your family may be eligible for the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, please reach out to schedule an intake by emailing [email protected].
Understanding the Child Care Choice Voucher Program Eligibility Process
The Child Care Choice Program follows a straightforward process to determine eligibility and provide support:
-
Complete an Intake: Begin by completing a program intake with a Child Care Choice Navigator. During this intake, you will provide household information, demographic details, and discuss your individual circumstances to assess your eligibility for child care tuition assistance.
-
Locate Suitable Child Care: Child Care Navigators will provide you with a curated list of licensed child care providers in your local area. They will also assist you in scheduling and accompanying you on tours of these facilities to help you find a child care setting that best suits your family’s unique needs and preferences.
-
Voucher Issuance: Once you have identified a suitable child care provider, the Child Care Choice Navigators will manage the issuance of tuition vouchers directly to your chosen child care program on your behalf. This simplifies the payment process and ensures direct financial assistance.
-
Monthly Check-Ins and Ongoing Support: To ensure the program continues to meet your needs and to track progress towards your employment goals, Child Care Choice Navigators will conduct monthly check-in meetings. These check-ins also provide an opportunity to discuss any changes in your situation, such as budgeting, food assistance, or utility needs, and to confirm that the chosen child care arrangement remains a positive and effective solution for your family.
-
Program Exit Survey: To evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the Child Care Choice Program, you will be asked to complete an exit survey 30 days and again 3 months after your participation in the program concludes. Your feedback is valuable in helping to continuously improve the program and ensure it effectively supports families in achieving their employment and financial stability goals.
Meet Your Dedicated Child Care Choice Navigators
The Child Care Choice program is supported by a team of experienced and compassionate Child Care Navigators dedicated to assisting families in Snohomish County.
Liz Steele | Child Care Choice Navigator, Snohomish County | (564) 565-0235
Liz brings over two decades of experience in early childhood education to her role, having served in various capacities, including center director. Her passion lies in partnering with families and providing supportive resources. Living in Snohomish County for her entire life, Liz is deeply committed to her community and finds immense satisfaction in helping families thrive.
Chelsey Cragin | Child Care Choice Navigator, Snohomish County | (564) 565-0237
Chelsey’s dedication to supporting youth and families stems from her own lived experiences. With a background in youth counseling, caregiving, and case management within community health settings, Chelsey is adept at connecting individuals with valuable resources. Her personal journey inspires her work in helping others overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Alongside her role as a Child Care Choice Navigator, Chelsey is also involved in her community and enjoys spending time with her family.
For further information or to begin your application process for the child care choice voucher program, please contact our navigators today.
