Stage 1 Child Care Program
The CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care Program is a child care subsidy program that helps eligible families with child care costs so they can continue to work or participate in approved activities on their journey from dependency to self-sufficiency. The program is designed to promote safe, healthy, and quality child care that is accessible, affordable, and appropriate for children of all ages. Public Consulting Group (PCG) administers the Stage 1 Program for the Central, East, and South Regions of San Diego County.
This child care subsidy program is operated by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, and regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Funding for the program comes from the CDSS and enrollment in the Stage 1 Program is based upon criteria and priorities established by the CDSS. Child care subsidies are subject to funding availability.
For specific information regarding regulations, funding availability, and eligibility, please talk to your assigned Child Care Specialist (CCS). Families are assigned a CCS who will assist them with understanding the program, completing forms, and identifying other resources they may need. The relationship and agreement for services is between the parent/guardian and the provider, with PCG acting as a third party to provide payment subsidies.
What services do we offer?
Stage 1 benefits are for families that are currently receiving CalWORKs and are participating in the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program, or have received CalWORKs benefits within the previous 24 months and meet both income and need guidelines. The parent/guardian will be referred to the Child Care Unit once the parent/guardian has selected a child care provider. The parent/guardian will then be contacted by a CCS and he/she will be scheduled for an intake appointment. The CCS will explain the required documentation needed to determine eligibility for child care. PCG operates the Stage 1 child care program for eligible WTW clients for the El Cajon (East), San Diego (Central), and Chula Vista (South) regions.
Have a question for PCG about the Stage 1 Child Care Program?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below to find answers to common Stage 1 Child Care questions PCG receives from CalWORKs recipients. You may also contact PCG directly using one of these methods:
Child Care Staff
(888) 752-8138
Contact us by form
Please fill out this form to request PCG’s Child Care team to contact you. Please allow up to one (1) business day for a response to your inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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For faster service, please email your childcare attendance sheets to childcarepayments@pcgus.com. You may also mail them to
PCG
690 Oxford Street
Chula Vista, CA 91911 -
Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm PT
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Please contact us so that we may look into your case. You can reach PCG by email at childcarepayments@pcgus.com or you may leave us a message by phone at 619-270-4165.
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Child care payments will be issued within 10 calendar days of the receipt of a complete and accurate child care attendance sheet. Missing or incorrect information may cause delays in processing. For questions about your payment status, please contact us at the phone number or email provided above.
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Please contact your Child Care Specialist (CCS) directly by phone or email to determine approval status. You may also call 888-752-8138.
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Please call YMCA Childcare Resource Services (CRS) at 1-800-481-2151 or email myreferral@ymcasd.org for assistance with your child care search.