Child Care Works (CCIS) in Philadelphia: How to Apply
A plain-English walk-through of Pennsylvania's child care subsidy: what it is, who runs it in Philadelphia, who may qualify, and what to do at each step.
Key takeaways
- Child Care Works is Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program. Many families still call it by its older name, CCIS.
- In Philadelphia it runs through the Early Learning Resource Center for Region 18 (ELRC Region 18), at 1-888-461-KIDS.
- You can apply online through COMPASS or by calling ELRC Region 18.
- Once you're approved, you name your child care provider and the provider completes its side of the paperwork.
- Rules change. Always check the current rules with ELRC Region 18 or PA DHS.
Before you rely on this page: program rules are set by the state and can change at any time. We last checked this guide against our own records on November 7, 2026. Confirm anything that affects your family with ELRC Region 18 or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS).
What is Child Care Works?
Child Care Works is Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program. It helps eligible families who work, or who work and go to school, pay for child care. It used to be called CCIS, and you'll still hear both names around Philadelphia. They mean the same program.
If your family is approved, the state pays part of your child care cost directly to your provider. The ELRC tells you what share, if any, your family pays.
Who runs Child Care Works in Philadelphia?
Child Care Works runs through local Early Learning Resource Centers, called ELRCs. Philadelphia County is ELRC Region 18. You can reach them at 1-888-461-KIDS.
The ELRC is the office that reviews your application, decides whether you qualify, and answers questions about your case. If you're unsure about anything in this guide, they are the people to ask.
Who may qualify for Child Care Works?
As of our last review, families in Philadelphia generally qualify when all of these are true:
- Household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The income limit goes up with family size.
- Each parent or caregiver works at least 20 hours a week, or works 10 hours and goes to school 10 hours a week.
- The child is under 13.
- The family lives in Philadelphia County, which is ELRC Region 18.
We don't list dollar amounts here because they change. Ask ELRC Region 18 for the current income limit for your family size. If you're close to the line, apply anyway and let them decide.
How do I apply?
- Apply online or by phone. Apply through COMPASS, Pennsylvania's online benefits site (compass.state.pa.us), or call ELRC Region 18 at 1-888-461-KIDS to apply or get help.
- Answer their questions and send what they ask for. The ELRC will tell you which documents it needs. Send them as soon as you can.
- Name your child care provider. Give the provider's name and the exact location you want. If that's us, tell them A Touch of Blessings and which center.
- Let the provider know. Call the center or fill out its enrollment form and say you're using Child Care Works, so it can complete the provider paperwork.
- Confirm your start date and your share. Ask the ELRC when the subsidy begins and what, if anything, your family pays.
What should I have ready before I apply?
The ELRC gives you the official list. To get a head start, it helps to have these within reach before you sit down at COMPASS or call:
- Your photo ID and contact information.
- Recent proof of income, such as pay stubs.
- Your work schedule, and your school schedule if you're in school.
- Basic information for each child who needs care, like full name and date of birth.
- The name and address of the child care center you want to use, if you've chosen one.
Still deciding on a center? Our guide to choosing a daycare in Philadelphia can help.
What happens after I'm approved?
Once you're approved, your provider completes its side of the paperwork with the ELRC. Keep your approval letter or notice somewhere safe, and keep the ELRC's number handy. If your notice is unclear about your start date or what your family owes, call the ELRC and ask before your child's first day.
Good to know: your situation can change after you're approved. If your job, hours, income or household changes, call the ELRC and ask whether you need to report it.
Can I switch daycares and keep Child Care Works?
Families switch providers for all kinds of reasons: a move, a new job, a better schedule. Tell your ELRC you're changing providers, and ask what it needs from you.
At A Touch of Blessings, if you're switching to us, we handle the paperwork on our side, including CCIS transfers and subsidy forms. Call us or fill out our enrollment form and tell us you're transferring.
What if I'm still waiting, or I don't qualify?
If your application is still being reviewed, call ELRC Region 18 and ask about its status. If you don't qualify right now, private pay is another option at most centers, including ours. Ask any center you're considering for its rates so you can plan. If your situation changes later, you can contact the ELRC again.
How does A Touch of Blessings help with Child Care Works?
We accept Child Care Works and private pay. We have two centers in North Philadelphia, both near Temple University: 921 N 18th St. (19130) and 2318 Cecil B. Moore Ave. (19121). We care for children 6 weeks to 12 years old, Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on request.
When you choose us as your provider, we complete the provider paperwork. Not sure where you stand? Call us at (215) 236-5439 and we'll help you think through the next step. For a shorter overview, see our Child Care Works page or the parent FAQ.
Last reviewed: 2026-11-07. Source: our own provider records, not a state publication. Check current rules with ELRC Region 18 (1-888-461-KIDS) or PA DHS.
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