Ventura County has a number of state and federally funded child care programs that provide care to income- and need-eligible families. Admission is granted to eligible children regardless of sex, race, religion, ethnicity or special needs. Parents must meet certain need and eligibility requirements, complete a confidential application and agree to carry out their responsibilities in the contract.

Agencies receiving funds for subsidized child care services, such as Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc. (CDR), Children's Home Society of California, state-funded preschool, general child care & development programs and some Neighborhoods for Learning (a project of First 5 Ventura County) have consolidated their child care waiting lists into one centralized eligibility list (CEL). The CEL program in Ventura County is operated and maintained by CDR. For more information about CEL, call (805) 485-7878, ext 511 or 477. The Guide to Subsidized Early Care & Education Services provides a comprehensive overview of subsidized child care services in Ventura County.