The APP administered by the Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is a parental choice program that serves children ages 0-13 years for parents while they work, job search or are in training. Eligibility is determined according to need, the size of your family and gross monthly income. Families may choose from a variety of child care settings; child care centers, licensed family child care homes, a friend, family member or a neighbor (license exempt).

How do I get selected?
Funding for the Alternative Payment Program is limited; families will be served based on available funds from the California Department of Education. Families who apply will be placed on a waiting list. Each applicant receives a rank number that is calculated using gross monthly income and family size. Rank numbers range from 1-61. It is common to have multiple families with the same rank number. Families
with the lowest ranking number are served first. Your ranking number will not change unless your income or family size changes.

Families are ranked for enrollment in accordance with the guidelines established by the State of California. Admission priorities are as follows:

• Priority 1 – Children receiving child protective services through the local county welfare department
• Priority 2 – Children at risk of abuse or neglect, upon written referral from a legal, medical, or social services agency
• Priority 3 – Families with the lowest gross monthly income adjusted for family size

How long is the wait?
The wait varies. Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an approximate time. Enrollments are only made when funding becomes available.

Placement on the eligible list is not a guarantee of services.

What Happens Next?
Update your application every 6 months & anytime there is a change in your information. Call us at (805) 925-7071 to update, ask questions or to check on your status.