Child Care

Provides child care subsidies for children 0 to 12 years of age and are made available to eligible families on a time-limited basis.

2022 County of Alameda Licensed Provider Grants—APPLY TODAY

The County of Alameda is excited to announce the investment of $4 million to the local Early Care and Education (ECE) system for existing infrastructure needs and capacity building of the field. One-time grants will be awarded to eligible licensed Family Child Care (FCC) and Center-based programs in Alameda County. All awards will be distributed by the Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) from July 2022 through March 31, 2023.  Click HERE to apply.

What is Child Care?

The Alameda County Social Services Agency provides child care subsidies for children 0 to 12 years of age and are made available to eligible families on a time-limited basis. This two-generational approach is not only vital to finding and maintaining employment, education and/or training for our families but providing critical support a child’s development.

Types of Child Care Subsidies Available

Fast Facts

  • The architecture of the brain is built in early childhood and access to care is limited

The need for high quality, affordable and accessible child care and early education is well documented by researchers nationwide. Ninety percent (90%) of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of life, and is the most significant from birth to age three. This makes the early years the most critical period for our youngest learners to engage in nurturing, stimulating environments with skilled teachers and caregivers. This critical period is a window of opportunity to lay the foundation for all of the years that follow. If children have what they need early in life, they are set on a path for future success.

  • Access to care is limited.

More than 115,000 Alameda County children lack access to formal child care and early education. Only thirty-one percent (31%) of Alameda County children with working parents have a licensed child care and early education space available to them.

Child Care Resource & Referral and Alternative Payment Agencies

If you are looking to access child care in Alameda County contact one of the agencies below: