Child Care Works (CCW) is Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program. It pays a large share of childcare tuition directly to your provider for income-eligible families who are working or in approved education/training, leaving you a modest weekly copay. Applications go through your regional Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). Here's how eligibility, applications, and copays work — and how to use CCW in Philadelphia.
Who qualifies for Child Care Works?
In general, you may qualify if you live in Pennsylvania, your child is under 13 (older with special needs), you (and any co-parent in the home) work at least 20 hours a week or combine work with approved training, and your household income falls under the program's entry threshold — set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level at initial application. Once enrolled, families can remain eligible at higher incomes, so a raise doesn't immediately end your benefits. Income limits change annually; always confirm current figures with your ELRC or the PA Department of Human Services.
How do you apply in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia families apply through the Early Learning Resource Center serving their region — ELRCs handle eligibility, enrollment, and provider payments. You can apply online through Pennsylvania's COMPASS portal or contact your ELRC directly. Expect to provide proof of identity, residency, income (recent pay stubs), work or training hours, and your child's information. If funding is fully committed, eligible families are placed on a waiting list, so apply as early as possible.
What will you actually pay?
CCW families pay a weekly copay based on household size and income — for many families this is a small fraction of private tuition. The subsidy is paid directly to the provider; you pay only the copay plus any difference if your provider's private rate exceeds the state's maximum reimbursement (some providers charge this difference, some absorb it — ask directly).
Which providers accept Child Care Works?
Only certified providers who have enrolled with the ELRC can accept CCW. When comparing centers, ask two questions: "Do you accept Child Care Works?" and "Do you charge families the difference above the state rate?" Also ask about the provider's Keystone STARS quality rating — higher-STAR programs meet additional quality benchmarks and receive higher reimbursement rates, which often means they're more willing to accept subsidy families.
Can subsidies cover flexible or part-time schedules?
Yes — CCW authorizes care based on your documented work schedule, which can include part-time, evening, and weekend hours. This matters enormously for Philadelphia's shift workers: if you're a nurse working three 12-hour shifts or a retail worker with a rotating schedule, your authorization should reflect those actual hours. Pair this with a provider whose hours actually cover your shifts — see our guides to childcare for nurses and weekend daycare. Recess is open 7 days a week from 6:30am to 8pm, and its custom-schedule model is built for exactly the nontraditional hours many subsidy authorizations cover; contact the team to discuss current subsidy acceptance and your specific schedule.
Other help worth stacking
CCW isn't the only support. Philadelphia's PHLpreK offers free pre-K seats for 3- and 4-year-olds. Head Start and Early Head Start serve income-eligible families at no cost. And every working family should check the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit and employer Dependent Care FSAs — our childcare tax benefits guide covers both.