At Meadowlark Schools, we believe that every child deserves access to exceptional nature-based education, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. Our Stockton campus, opening in August 2025, is proud to be an approved CalWORKs Stage 2 childcare provider, serving families in the Civic Center area and throughout Stockton.

High-Quality Nature-Based Education Through CalWORKs Stage 2 Childcare

We understand that navigating childcare assistance programs can be challenging. That's why we're committed to not only accepting CalWORKs Stage 2 funding but also providing comprehensive support for families throughout the application, enrollment, and recertification processes. Our goal is to ensure that every eligible family can access our unique educational approach with minimal administrative burden.

Understanding CalWORKs Stage 2 Childcare

CalWORKs Stage 2 childcare is part of California's three-stage childcare assistance program designed to help families maintain stable childcare as they transition off of cash aid and toward self-sufficiency. Stage 2 serves:

• Current CalWORKs recipients who are determined to be in stable employment or welfare-to-work activities
• Former CalWORKs recipients who are within 24 months of leaving cash aid
• Families who received diversion services instead of CalWORKs cash aid and are within 24 months of receiving those services

The program is administered by the California Department of Education through Alternative Payment Programs (APPs) that manage funding and ensure eligible families have access to the childcare provider of their choice – including quality programs like Meadowlark Schools.

Eligibility Requirements for CalWORKs Stage 2

CalWORKs Stage 2 is considered an entitlement program - eligible families should not be placed on waiting lists, unlike other childcare programs that may have waitlists due to funding limitations. To qualify for CalWORKs Stage 2 childcare assistance at Meadowlark Schools, families typically must meet the following criteria:

Relationship to CalWORKs Program

Families must either:

• Be current CalWORKs recipients in stable employment or welfare-to-work activities, or
• Have received CalWORKs cash aid within the past 24 months, or
• Have received diversion services instead of CalWORKs within the past 24 months

Income Eligibility

Families must meet income eligibility requirements, which are currently set at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) based on family size. This income limit was expanded in recent years to include more working families.

Need for Childcare

Families must demonstrate a need for childcare services, which typically includes:

• Employment or self-employment
• Education or vocational training
• Seeking employment (for a limited time period)
• Incapacity of the parent
• Homelessness or seeking permanent housing

Eligible Children

Children in the household who require care must be:

• Under the age of 13, or
• Children with exceptional needs who may be eligible up to age 21

Required Documentation for CalWORKs Stage 2 Enrollment

When enrolling in CalWORKs Stage 2 childcare at Meadowlark Schools, you'll need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility. Our staff can help guide you through this process, but typical documentation includes:

Verification of CalWORKs Status

• Documentation of current CalWORKs participation, or
• Documentation showing when you stopped receiving CalWORKs (within the last 24 months), or
• Documentation of diversion services received (within the last 24 months)

Income Verification

• Recent pay stubs (typically from the last 30 days)
• Self-employment income documentation
• Other income verification as applicable (child support, disability payments, etc.)

Verification of Need

• Employment: Pay stubs, employment verification form, or work schedule
• Self-employment: Business records, tax documents, or client information
• Education/training: School enrollment verification, class schedule, and educational goals
• Seeking employment: Job search log or registration with employment agencies
• Incapacity: Statement from a legally qualified professional

Family Information

• Birth certificates for children needing care
• Custody documentation (if applicable)
• Immunization records
• Documentation of exceptional needs (if applicable)

Our staff is trained to help you understand exactly what documentation is required for your specific situation and can provide guidance on how to obtain any missing documentation.

The Enrollment Process at Meadowlark Schools

Enrolling in Meadowlark Schools through CalWORKs Stage 2 is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Here's our step-by-step process:

Step 1: Initial Contact and Tour

We recommend starting with a tour of our Hollister campus to experience our educational approach firsthand while we prepare for our Stockton opening. This gives you an opportunity to see our program in action and ask any questions about how we would meet your child's specific needs. Contact us to schedule a tour or join a virtual information session.

Step 2: Eligibility Verification

As you go through the eligibility process, we will assist with the application process. If you're already receiving Stage 1 services, we can help facilitate a seamless transfer to Stage 2. If you're new to CalWORKs childcare, we can guide you through the initial application process.

Step 3: Documentation Gathering

Our goal is to make this process as stress-free as possible. If any documents are needed, we’ll be happy to help. 

Step 4: Enrollment Appointment

Once your documentation is in order, we'll schedule an enrollment appointment to complete all necessary paperwork, discuss your child's specific needs, and address any questions about our program.

Step 5: Transition Planning

We'll work with you to plan a smooth transition for your child into our program, which may include orientation visits, meetings with teachers, and personalized welcome activities.

Seamless Transfers Between CalWORKs Stages

For families already receiving CalWORKs Stage 1 childcare, the transition to Stage 2 should be seamless. Recent California legislation has emphasized the importance of uninterrupted services between stages. Here's what this means for your family:

• No new application is required when transferring from Stage 1 to Stage 2
• Eligibility and need determinations from Stage 1 remain valid
• 12-month eligibility periods are maintained through the transfer
• No break in childcare services should occur during the transition

If you're currently in Stage 1 and are being transferred to Stage 2, we'll work directly with your current childcare agency to ensure continuity of care at Meadowlark Schools.

Similarly, when your 24-month eligibility period for Stage 2 approaches its end, we'll help facilitate a smooth transition to Stage 3 (if funding is available) to ensure continued care for your child.

The Meadowlark Schools Experience for CalWORKs Families

Families enrolled through CalWORKs Stage 2 receive the same exceptional educational experience as all Meadowlark students:

Nature-Based, Play-Centered Curriculum

Our curriculum is built around daily outdoor exploration, hands-on learning experiences, and meaningful play in thoughtfully designed environments. Children spend significant time outdoors in all seasons, developing resilience, confidence, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Whole Child Development

We focus on nurturing every aspect of your child's development:

• Physical growth through active outdoor exploration
• Emotional development through supportive relationships
• Social skills through collaborative experiences
• Cognitive development through curiosity-driven investigation
• Creative expression through open-ended materials

Qualified, Caring Teachers

Our teachers are trained in both early childhood development and our unique nature-based approach. They create warm, responsive relationships with children while skillfully guiding their learning journeys.

Healthy, Nutritious Meals

Our food program emphasizes whole, natural foods, introducing children to a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins. This approach builds healthy eating habits and connects children to natural food systems.

Family Partnership

We believe in strong partnerships with families. Regular communication, family events, and opportunities for involvement create a supportive community around each child.

Maintaining CalWORKs Stage 2 Eligibility

CalWORKs Stage 2 eligibility typically lasts for 24 months after you stop receiving cash aid. During this time, you'll need to maintain your eligibility by:

Participating in Recertification

Under current regulations, families receive 12 months of continuous eligibility before recertification is required. At recertification, you'll need to verify that you still meet income guidelines and have a need for childcare.

Reporting Changes

While you have 12 months of continuous eligibility regardless of changes in most circumstances, you should report:

• Changes in family income that exceed 85% of the State Median Income
• Changes in family size
• Changes that would increase your childcare benefit (such as increased work hours)

Our staff will provide clear guidance on what changes need to be reported and will help you through any recertification processes to maintain uninterrupted service.

Transitioning to Stage 3 or Other Programs

As you approach the end of your 24-month eligibility period for Stage 2, we'll work with you to plan for continued care. Options may include:

• Transitioning to CalWORKs Stage 3 (if funding is available)
• Exploring other subsidy programs such as the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP)
• Investigating other financial assistance options

Our goal is to ensure that your child can continue their education at Meadowlark Schools without interruption, regardless of changes in your funding source.

Frequently Asked Questions About CalWORKs Stage 2 at Meadowlark

When should I apply for CalWORKs Stage 2 childcare?

If you're currently receiving CalWORKs cash aid and anticipate becoming stable in your employment or welfare-to-work activities, you should begin exploring Stage 2 options. If you've recently stopped receiving CalWORKs cash aid (within the last 24 months), you should apply immediately as your eligibility period begins from the date your cash aid ended.

Will my child receive the same quality of care as non-subsidized children?

Absolutely. All children at Meadowlark Schools receive the same high-quality educational experience, regardless of payment method. Our commitment to excellence extends to every child in our program, and CalWORKs families are valued members of our community.

What happens if my work hours change?

Under current regulations, you have 12 months of continuous eligibility regardless of changes in work hours or other need criteria. This stability allows your child to remain in our program even if your work situation temporarily changes. If your work hours increase and you need additional childcare hours, you should report this change as it may increase your benefit.

Can I use CalWORKs Stage 2 for before and after school care for my school-age child?

Yes, CalWORKs Stage 2 can cover before and after school care, as well as full-day care during school breaks, for eligible school-age children up to age 13 (or older for children with exceptional needs). Our Stockton campus will offer programs designed to complement elementary school schedules.

What if I'm in the process of transitioning from Stage 1 to Stage 2?

The transition should be seamless, with no break in care. We'll work directly with your Stage 1 provider and the administering agencies to ensure continuous enrollment. You won't need to complete a new application or reestablish eligibility when transferring between stages.

What if I need childcare before the Stockton campus opens?

If you need immediate childcare and are eligible for CalWORKs Stage 2, we can help connect you with other quality providers who accept this funding until our campus opens in August 2025. Once our campus opens, we can help you transfer your childcare benefit to Meadowlark Schools if you choose.

Join Our Meadowlark Community

We invite CalWORKs-eligible families to explore the unique educational experience Meadowlark Schools offers. Our Stockton campus, opening in August 2025, will serve children from 6 weeks to 6 years old through our infant, toddler, and preschool programs.

Take the first step toward providing your child with an exceptional nature-based education by joining our interest list for the Stockton campus or contacting us to learn more about our program and the CalWORKs application process.

For more information about our educational approach, explore our nature-based curriculum or farm-to-school vision on our website.