Community Action, Inc.

Child Care Information Services

Helps eligible families pay for child care expenses at their chosen provider. Offers customized child care provider listings upon request. Provides "getting started" information to persons interested in opening a child care facility. Offers community resource and referral services to all families.

This project serves Clarion and Jefferson Counties.

Finding Child Care

Parents and child care providers form an important partnership in the healthy development of children. Choose a provider that meets your family's needs. Child Care Information Services is here to help you!

CCIS provides information to families on what to look for when choosing a child care provider.
CCIS provides listings of registered and certified child care providers. The lists are customized for each family based on their child care needs with regard to location, ages of children, type of facility preferred, hours and days child care is needed, etc.
It is important to choose a child care provider that meets your family's needs. There are several types of child care facilities:
- Family Day Care Home: A state registered family residence with one caregiver providing care for up to six children at any one time who are not related to the caregiver.
- Group Day Care Home: A state certified facility providing care for seven to twelve children.
- Day Care Center: A state certified facility providing care for seven or more children.
- Relative/Neighbor Care: A person who cares for three or fewer children, at any one time, who are not related to the caregiver. Care is provided in the Relative/Neighbor's own home.
There are other Early Care options available to families. CCIS staff can provide contact information upon request.
- Head Start: A preschool child and family development program available at no cost to eligible families.
- Pre-K Counts: A half or full day pre-kindergarten program provided at no cost to eligible families. Classes may be held in local schools, Head Start sites and at some child care facilities.
- Nursery and Preschool Programs: Part-time or full-time programs that provide services to preschool children. Financial assistance to attend Nursery and Preschool programs is NOT payable through CCIS.

Community Action, Inc. and Child Care Information Services (CCIS) does not endorse, recommend or underwrite the service of any child care facility, nor does it comment on the quailty of care rendered.

For specific information regarding a certified or registered child care facility or to report a complaint about a child care facility, contact the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) - Western Region office toll free at 1-800-222-2149.

Paying for Child Care

CCIS may be able to help pay for your child care if you:

Meet income guidelines (call the CCIS for details) AND
Meet work and/or training requirements
Must work a minimum of 20 hours a week, or
Can work at least 10 hours a week and attend an approved college or training program at least 10 hours a week
Are eligible for child care as determined by the County Assistance Office
Are a teen parent enrolled in High School. Teen parents do not have to be working and will not go to a waiting list.
Meet other applicable requirements.

CALL THE CCIS for an application or APPLY ONLINE at http://www.compass.state.pa.us. Compass is a website providing online access to social services for Pennsylvanians. The site is secure and your information is kept completely confidential.