The child care subsidy program is provided through a voucher system operated by the City of Petaluma Child Care Program and administered through Petaluma People Services Center.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

• have lived in Petaluma for at least six months
• be employed or in some educational program
• meet income guidelines based on family size
• children who are 0 - 13 years of age

WHAT IS A CHILD CARE VOUCHER?
A Child Care Voucher is a written authorization which shows the amount the City of Petaluma Voucher Program will pay toward child care services for a specific child. The family takes the voucher to a child care vendor to receive child care services.

HOW DOES THE SUBSIDY WORK?
After submitting an application and following a telephone screening, the Child Care Coordinator or a representative of Petaluma People Services Center determines your eligibility for the subsidy program. If the family is eligible and subsidy funds are available, the family is issued monthly child care vouchers. The family chooses a licensed child care provider. The child care provider signs an agreement to indicate acceptance of the terms of the Voucher Program. The child care provider submits a voucher to PPSC each month for services provided. Thereafter, the provider receives a payment for the child care services from the City.

HOW IS THE AMOUNT OF THE CHILD CARE VOUCHER DETERMINED?
The amount of the Child Care Voucher depends upon the gross family income, the age of the child, the hours of child care needed and the particular circumstance of the family. At the most, the child care voucher will cover approximately 1/2 of the cost of care. Priority will be given to single parent families and families with special needs children.

CAN THE CHILD CARE VOUCHER BE USED WITH ANY CHILD CARE PROVIDER?
No. Families must choose child care from a licensed center or family day care provider. The center or family day care provider will be asked for their license number.

DOES THE SUBSIDY PROGRAM PAY THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE CHILD CARE FEE?
No. The family is responsible for paying the difference between the City's Child Care voucher amount and the child care provider's regular fee.

WILL I HAVE TO SUBMIT PROOF OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME?
YES. A list of acceptable documentation is attached to the application.

HOW CAN FAMILIES APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM OR GET MORE INFORMATION?
Families may call the Child Care Coordinator at PPSC
765-8488, Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Family and/or guardian must apply directly through the Petaluma People Services Center Child Care Coordinator/Staff.
2. Complete and return application forms along with:
   • A copy of two forms of identification (one picture I.D.) and a paycheck stub or proof of income from each parent should be attached to the application and submitted to the Child Care Coordinator/Staff.
   • Name, address, license number and phone number of provider.
3. Applications are received by Child Care Coordinator and/or Staff. Staff completes follow-up information (should it be needed) from referring organizations, verifies income and service provider, and reviews need.
4. Application is either approved or disapproved by the Child Care Coordinator or other PPSC Staff.

DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS

1. City of Petaluma will be responsible for distribution of vouchers and funds. A voucher is sent to the family if funding is awarded. Family presents voucher to provider. Provider sends voucher and request for payment to the PPSC Child Care Coordinator; check request is completed by the Coordinator and sent to City Finance Department; Finance Department cuts check and sends to provider for services rendered.
2. Each child is eligible to receive a maximum of $200.00 a month. Availability of funds will determine the maximum dollars per month per family not to exceed $400.00 in one month.
3. Recipients may receive funds not to exceed two 6-month periods, except for a situation of extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the Child Care Coordinator and the City Child Care Committee.