Child care costs are one of the biggest financial pressures facing families in the Victor Valley — and one of the least understood parts of that pressure is that real help exists. Between the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) and San Bernardino County's CalWORKs child care programs, many working and job-seeking families in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and the surrounding area qualify for child care that is heavily subsidized or completely free. Most parents just don't know where to start.
This guide walks through exactly how these programs work, who qualifies, and how to apply — so you can find out in a few minutes whether your family is eligible.
What Is CCRC, and How Does It Help Pay for Child Care?
The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) is the main resource and referral agency handling subsidized child care for San Bernardino County, including Victorville. CCRC doesn't run daycare centers itself — instead, it approves families for financial assistance and then pays a portion (often all) of the cost directly to the licensed provider a family chooses.
CCRC administers several different funding streams, but the two that most Victorville families ask about are:
Alternative Payment Programs — general child care financial assistance for families who are working, looking for work, or attending school.
CalWORKs Child Care (Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3) — assistance tied to California's CalWORKs cash aid program, structured in stages as a family's situation changes over time.
Both can be used at a licensed family child care home — including a program that has already been vetted and approved to accept these funds.
Am I Eligible? Income Guidelines for San Bernardino County Families
Eligibility is based on household size and monthly income, and the state updates these limits every fiscal year. As a general guide for the current fiscal year, a family of two can qualify with a monthly income up to roughly $6,860, a family of three up to roughly $7,785, and a family of four up to roughly $9,020 — with the ceiling rising for each additional household member.
These numbers change annually, so treat them as a starting point, not a final answer — CCRC can confirm your exact eligibility during the application process, and a caseworker will walk you through it based on your actual documents.
Beyond income, CCRC generally looks at whether a parent is:
Currently employed
Actively looking for work
Attending school or a training program
Receiving CalWORKs cash aid
You do not need to know your exact income down to the dollar to start an application — a best estimate is enough to begin.
Cal WORKs Child Care: What "Stage 1, 2, and 3" Actually Means
If your family receives CalWORKs cash aid, child care assistance typically moves through three stages:
Stage 1 is managed by the County's Transitional Assistance Department while a family is newly receiving CalWORKs aid.
Stage 2 picks up once a family's situation stabilizes, usually managed by an agency like CCRC.
Stage 3 is longer-term assistance for families who are no longer on cash aid but still need help affording child care.
CalWORKs child care covers children from birth up to 13 years old (or older for children with exceptional needs), and families are sometimes responsible for a small co-payment based on income — not the full cost.
How to Apply for Child Care Financial Assistance in Victorville: Step by Step
Start your application online through CCRC's website, or by phone. Most families finish the initial application in about 3-5 minutes.
Submit proof of income when requested — you'll typically have a window of time after your initial application to provide documents like pay stubs.
Wait for a caseworker to make contact. This can take time — CCRC notes it may be up to about 90 days before a case manager reaches out, so applying early matters.
Get your eligibility decision, generally within about 30 days of submitting your income documents.
Choose your child care provider once approved — you have a 30-day window to select a licensed provider, and CCRC staff can help you if you need guidance narrowing it down.
Enroll your child with your chosen provider, who will then work directly with CCRC or the County on billing.
Because approval can take weeks, the most common mistake families make is waiting until they need care immediately to start the paperwork. Applying as early as possible gives you the most flexibility in choosing where your child ends up.
Choosing a Provider That Already Accepts CCRC and County Programs
Not every daycare in Victorville is set up to accept subsidized payments — and switching providers mid-application can slow things down. It's worth confirming a provider already works with these programs before you finalize your application, rather than finding out afterward.
All Stars Family Day Care, a licensed family child care home in Victorville, is set up to accept both CCRC and San Bernardino County Alternative Payment programs, and works directly with case managers to help families finish enrollment without added stress. The program also offers year-round care, meals included under California's child nutrition guidelines, and programs spanning infants through school-age children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child care provider need to be licensed to qualify for CCRC or CalWORKs funding?
Yes. Subsidy programs generally require a licensed child care center or licensed family child care home, though certain informal arrangements (like a relative caregiver) may qualify under separate rules — CCRC can confirm what applies to your situation.
Can I apply for child care assistance if I haven't found a job yet?
Yes. Actively looking for work is one of the standard qualifying activities for the Alternative Payment program, alongside employment, school, and training.
Do I need my child's vaccination records to apply?
Vaccination status is not required to qualify for financial assistance itself, though your chosen child care provider may have its own enrollment requirements.
How long does it take to actually start receiving help once I apply?
Timelines vary, but families should plan for several weeks to a few months between the initial application and a final decision, since a caseworker needs to review income documentation before approving a case.
What age range does CalWORKs child care cover?
Generally birth through age 13, with extended eligibility for children with exceptional needs.
Ready to see if your family qualifies? Contact All Stars Family Day Care to talk through your options, or book a tour to see the program in person while your application is in progress.
