CDA AnnualReport 2024 - Flipbook - Page 14
Parents Earning, Children Learning, Communities Growing!
Child Care Payment Program
Access to quality child care is essential—
not only for a child’s healthy development,
but also for a family’s economic security
and long-term success. CDA’s Child Care
Payment Program, also known as the
Alternative Payment Program, makes this
access possible by helping families afford
child care while they work, go to school, or
pursue employment opportunities.
Funded by the California Department of
Social Services (CDSS), CDA administers
one of the largest child care payment
programs in the state, serving families
across San Diego County. At the heart of
the program is parental choice—families are
empowered to select the child care provider
that best 昀椀ts their needs. Whether it’s a
licensed family child care home, a trusted
family member, friend or neighbor, or a
center-based program, parents have the
昀氀exibility to choose care that aligns with
their cultural values, work schedules, and
their child’s developmental needs.
Parent Benefits
Child care improves
employment and career
outcomes for parents:
higher wages, stable work
hours, and promotions.
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The program supports children from
birth through age 12, and up to age 21 for
children with exceptional needs. CDA issues
reimbursements directly to the provider on
behalf of the family, creating a streamlined
system that bene昀椀ts all involved.
More than just 昀椀nancial assistance, the
Child Care Payment Program is a trifecta of
support—uplifting families, fostering healthy
development for children, and sustaining
child care providers as small business owners
and essential community partners. By
connecting families with resources, helping
children access quality care, and providing
consistent payments to providers, CDA
strengthens the entire ecosystem of early
care and education. This program re昀氀ects
CDA’s long-standing commitment to a
whole-family approach (page 10)—ensuring
that families have the stability and tools
they need to thrive, and that children are
nurtured in safe, enriching environments
where they can grow and succeed.
Child Benefits
Child care improves
health and education
outcomes for children,
closes achievement gaps,
and lowers criminal rates.
Our team set a new record for family
enrollment, re昀氀ecting the growing need
for accessible child care.
Families
9,320
Children
17,753
Child Care Providers
4,161
Employer Benefits
Child care reduces employee
absenteeism and turnover. It
stabilizes employment and
increases reliable employees
in the workforce.
Community Benefits
When families thrive so
does our state’s economy parents are earning, children
are learning, and our
communities are growing.
