Pathways LA has launched the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children. This program aims to help foster children find safe and nurturing family-based care, increase the capacity of childcare programs to meet their needs, and provide funding to eligible families for childcare expenses.
If you are a foster care resource parent in need of free or reduced child care, Pathways LA can help you with:
- Finding a childcare provider
- Helping you find affordable childcare
- Completing childcare program applications
- Creating a long-term plan that meets your child’s age and needs
Eligible families may also receive a time-limited childcare voucher to help pay for childcare costs for foster children birth through age 5 (and up to age 21 for children with special needs) and their siblings under 12. Vouchers will be approved for an initial period of up to twelve months.
The Bridge Program is administered through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in partnership with Pathways LA and the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA).
Childcare providers engaged in the Bridge Program receive training and coaching on topics including Trauma-Informed Care, child development, and research-based strategies for supporting children who are in foster care.
Make a Referral
Referrals to the Bridge Program must be made through the resource family’s Children’s Social Worker at DCFS.
Making a referral to our Bridge Program? Here is a quick user guide on how to submit a referral. For any questions on our program eligibility and requirements, contact Staphany Perez, Child Care Bridge Navigator- at sperez@pathwaysla.org
