Parent or guardian must live in Cuyahoga County and must be one of the following: employed; enrolled in basic education (high school equivalency or English as a second language); enrolled post-secondary education (associate, bachelor's degree, or post-graduate studies); or receiving education necessary to maintain employment, certification, or licensure. Can not apply before the child is born. For initial application, income must be 145% or less of current Federal Poverty Limit (FPL). Once a client is on the program, income may raise up to 300% FPL. Redetermination is required after 12 months of assistance - current recipients may have income up to 300% FPL at the time of their 12 month redetermination (but they must complete the redetermination on time). Most forms of income are counted, but not all (e.g. SSI, foster care maintenance). Anyone who feels their family may be eligible is encouraged to apply. This service can be provided for children in care up to the age of 13 (or through age 17 if the child qualifies as having special needs such as a physical or developmental disability). NOTE: Starting in April 2024, the state of Ohio approved a temporary program called Child Care Choice Voucher Program. This program is funded at the state level and will support families with tuition payments to licensed child care providers whose gross monthly income is between 146% - 200% FPL. Families who are over income for Publicly Funded Child Care (which traditionally ends at 145% FPL) are automatically explored for Child Care Choice. This program includes a copayment that is established by the provider. This program is expected to serve 8,000 children statewide.

Must complete an application and provide: children’s birth certificates and social security cards, parent's photo ID, last four pay stubs and/or a letter from your employer, a training schedule from school (if applicable). Clients may submit their applications without all of the required documents at first, but will need to provide them within 10 days.

M-F: 8:30am-5:00pm