Many families in San Mateo County find it difficult to pay for the child care they need. 4Cs Alternative Payment Program provides subsidized child care services at no or minimal cost to qualifying low-income families.

Parents who are interested in applying for 4Cs Alternative Payment Program subsidized care should complete our Assistance with Child Care Eligibility and Support Services (Access) list (link to application under "Quick Links" on the left) and send it to 4Cs at the address printed on the application.  Families who are eligible based on income, family size, and need for services will be enrolled in priority order as funding permits. This application is also available in Spanish.  For assistance, please call 4Cs Resource and Referral phone line at 650-517-1460 or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For detailed information about the Alternative Payment Program, please download our Parent Handbook below:

Child Care Subsidy Program Parent Handbook (Español)