Early Learning and Education Programs
The overall goals of Early Learning and Education Programs (ELEP) are to assist low-income parents in achieving self-sufficiency, to promote quality child care by providing resources and training to child care providers, and to provide education and resources to parents.
In Fiscal Year 2017, ELEP, CHS's largest service area, provided services in six communities throughout the state, including providing child care services for over 5,900 children, and support to families by responding to over 11,000 requests for child care referrals and technical assistance. ELEP also provides support to families and children of all ages.
Early Learning and Education Programs include the following:
Child Care Resource & Referral Program
The Child Care Resource and Referral (R&R) Program provides supportive child development services. Through this program, CHS provides parents with referrals to licensed child care, educates parents regarding choosing quality child care, and provides parent and provider education through newsletters, workshops, a resource library, and ongoing resource distribution.
Child Care Payment Program
The Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) provides subsidized child care services to eligible families through general Alternative Payment and CalWORKs funding. Through these programs, participating families select the licensed or license-exempt child care provider of their choice, as parents work, seek employment, or attend school or job training programs.
Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN)
The Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) provides eligible families subsidized child care services with the enhanced component of a collaborative partnership between the parent, child care provider, and CHS. Providers in licensed family child care homes receive ongoing training and technical assistance from CHS. Together, strategies and goals are discussed that will promote each child’s optimal development.