CDA Annual Report 2025 - Flipbook - Page 12
Parents earning, children learning, communities growing!
Child Care Payment Program
Access to quality child care is essential for family stability, economic mobility, and
healthy child development. CDA’s Child Care Payment Program—also known as the
Alternative Payment Program—helps families achieve their goals by making child
care affordable while they work, pursue education, or build sustainable careers.
Funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), CDA administers
one of the largest child care subsidy programs in the state, serving families
throughout San Diego County. Grounded in parental choice, the program
empowers families to select care that best meets their needs, including before-and
after-school care, care during school breaks and vacations, and services during
nontraditional hours. Parents may choose licensed family child care homes, centerbased programs, or trusted family, friend, or neighbor providers—ensuring care
aligns with cultural values, work schedules, and each child’s developmental needs.
The program serves children from birth through age 12 and up to age 21 for youth
with exceptional needs. CDA reimburses providers directly on behalf of families,
creating a reliable, ef昀椀cient system that promotes continuity of care and 昀椀nancial
stability for providers.
By investing in families and providers, the program helps parents move toward
economic independence while recognizing providers as essential business owners
and community partners. Through consistent payments and access to resources,
CDA creates pathways for families, providers, and communities to thrive.
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Family Bene昀椀ts
Child Bene昀椀ts
Employer Bene昀椀ts
Community Bene昀椀ts
Child care improves
employment and career
outcomes for parents:
higher wages, stable work
hours, and promotions.
Child care improves
health and education
outcomes for children,
closes achievement gaps,
and lowers criminal rates.
Child care reduces employee
absenteeism and turnover.
It stabilizes employment
and increases reliable
employees in the workforce.
When families thrive so
does our state’s economy—
parents are earning, children
are learning, and our
communities are growing.
