Alternative Payment Program
Helping families afford child care. The Alternative Payment (AP) Program helps parents pay for child care. Apply now! The AP Program is for families living in Shasta and Tehama County. We can connect you to the AP Program in the county where you live.
Printable applications:
Shasta County (English)
Shasta County (Spanish)
Tehama County (English)
Tehama County (Spanish)
Family eligibility. Families may be eligible if:
1) Any member of the family receives government assistance (like CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, or Head Start),
2) Parent has a history of cash aid in the last two years,
3) Family is income eligible,
4) Family is experiencing homelessness,
5) Child receives child protective services or is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Families who meet eligibility criteria can use this program if they need child care. That means they are working, attending school or a work program, seeking work, seeking housing, or disabled. Children are eligible through age 13 and longer in special cases.
Family choice. Parents choose the child care provider. We can help you. Your child care provider must be enrolled in the AP Program to receive reimbursement.
Check out our AP Handbook for more information.
Orientation videos are available for enrolling families: