The Alameda County Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) is an internet-based system that gives parents access to a large number of subsidized child care programs through one single application. It allows participating subsidized child care centers access to the most eligible families seeking subsidized child care services. The term "eligibility" is used because families are ranked by eligibility factors for subsidized care (income, size and need), not wait time on the list.

With the CEL:

• You can easily gain access to many subsidized child care programs through one application. The CEL saves you time - you do not have to apply at each agency individually. Wherever parents apply, they will be placed on the same Centralized Eligibility List.
• Families have access to all programs for which they qualify, improving their chances of obtaining subsidized child care. Agencies can quickly access family information through the CEL database which increases the chances of being selected for a potential child care opening.
• Providers can draw from a wider network of eligible families. All local programs that receive state or federal funds to help parents with the cost of child care use the CEL to draw names of families eligible for child care.