Subsidized Childcare

As one of the great public universities, UC Berkeley values access to education as part of its mission. For qualifying UC Berkeley student parents, staff, and faculty, a limited number of free or reduced-fee spaces are available in the Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP). Student parents receive priority for subsidies. With subsidized tuition, fees are assessed on a sliding scale based on age of the child, family size, and gross income.

Eligibility for state subsidy free or reduced-fee childcare

State subsidy free or reduced-fee childcare is available to UC Berkeley student parents, faculty, and staff who meet income and need-eligibility requirements set by the State of California. Families who meet these requirements may qualify based on a sliding income scale. Subsidy eligibility is determined based on age of the child, family size, and total monthly gross income. Review the charts below for details.

Need-eligibility requirements are determined by state departments:

• Infants and toddlers ages 3 to 31 months: Qualify under the California General Child Care and Development Program (CCTR), with need-eligibility requirements determined by the California Department of Social Services.
• Preschool students ages 32 to 58 months: Qualify under the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), with need-eligibility requirements determined by the California Department of Education.

Income eligibility effective July 1, 2026: Infants and toddlers, 3 to 31 months (CCTR)

For infants and toddlers aged 3 to 31 months to be eligible, the family’s total monthly gross income must be at or below 85% State Median Income (SMI) ceiling for the family’s size.

Income eligibility effective July 1, 2026: Preschool, 32 to 58 months (CSPP)

For preschool children aged 32 to 58 months to be eligible, the family’s total monthly gross income must be at or below 100% State Median Income (SMI) ceiling for the family’s size.

Need eligibility

Need eligibility is the reason a family needs subsidized childcare. If there are two parents in the home, both parents must have a reason for needing childcare. To be eligible for need:

• At least one parent or grandparent must be a registered UC Berkeley student, staff member, or faculty member.

• Second parent must be engaged in one of the following:
  1. Working (full time 35 to 40 hours per week)
  2. Education or vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, paraprofession, or profession
  3. Actively seeking employment
  4. Parent is incapacitated because of medical or psychiatry special need
  5. Homeless and seeking permanent housing
  6. Enrolled in an educational program (GED or ESL)

Questions about subsidies? Please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Marina Moreida, by calling 510-643-1482. To apply for ECEP, find instructions on our Enrollment page.