Apply for Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program
The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program assists low-income families with the cost of childcare.
Certain families are eligible to receive financial assistance to help with the cost of childcare. The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, administered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), helps parents access childcare so they can attend work, school, or training programs.
How Do I … Apply for the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program?
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Determine if You’re Eligible
To qualify for CAPS:
- You must be a resident of the State of Georgia.
- Your child must be 12 years of age or younger, or 17 years of age or younger if the child has a qualifying disability or has a case plan requiring child care as part of court-ordered supervision.
- Your child must be a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant.
- Your child must be up-to-date on immunizations.
- The parent must meet the state-approved activity requirements, such as employment or education. (Visit the CAPS website for more information on state-approved activities.)
- The family’s gross applicable income cannot exceed 50% of the state median income.
- See a full list of CAPS eligibility requirements.
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Gather What You’ll Need
- Proof of Georgia residency (this can include but is not limited to driver’s license or ID card, current lease or mortgage statement, or motor vehicle registration)
- Proof of identity
- Proof of child’s age, such as a birth certificate
- Proof of child’s citizenship or lawful immigrant status
- Proof of immunizations, such as a Certificate of Immunization
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Apply
- Visit the Georgia Gateway website.
- Log in or create an account.
- Select “Child care” from the list of assistance programs.
- Follow the prompts to apply for CAPS.
- A CAPS staff member will call you to review your application and determine eligibility.
- Applications are processed in the order they are received. You can speed up the process by ensuring you have submitted all required documentation in the Georgia Gateway portal and responding promptly to any correspondence from CAPS staff. You will receive notification within 30 calendar days from the date of your application if you have been approved for the CAPS program.
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Find a Child Care Provider
- Once you are approved, you will be assigned a Family Support Consultant. Family Support Consultants will work with and advocate for families, will help families if their situation changes, and will connect families with resources to help overcome obstacles to training or employment.
- You may enroll your child into any eligible child care program.
- You may be required to pay a portion of the cost of child care through family assessed fees.
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Next Steps
You will need to redetermine your eligibility for CAPS each year (known as annual redetermination). A Family Support Consultant can help you do so.