At Meadowlark Schools, we believe that every child deserves access to high-quality early childhood education, regardless of financial circumstances. Our Stockton campus, opening fall 2025, is committed to creating an inclusive community that welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and economic situations.

High-Quality Nature-Based Education Accessible to All Families

We accept multiple childcare subsidy programs and offer guidance to help you navigate the application process. Our team is ready to help your family access the financial support you need to provide your child with an exceptional nature-based, play-centered educational experience.

Schedule a Financial Consultation or Join Our Interest List

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Meadowlark Schools is dedicated to serving a diverse community that reflects the rich cultural and economic makeup of Stockton. We recognize that financial considerations are an important factor in childcare decisions, and we've structured our program to welcome families from all economic backgrounds.

An Inclusive Community

Our Stockton campus is designed to serve:

• Families qualifying for various subsidy programs
• Middle-income families seeking high-quality care
• Working parents needing full-day options
• Families needing part-time schedules
• Diverse cultural communities within Stockton

Accepted Subsidy Programs

Our Stockton campus will accept the following major subsidy programs to help make quality early childhood education affordable for all families:

CalWORKs Child Care Program (Stages 1-3)

The CalWORKs Child Care Program provides subsidized childcare services for current and former CalWORKs recipients who are working or participating in welfare-to-work activities. The program has three stages:

• Stage 1: For families receiving CalWORKs cash aid who are just beginning welfare-to-work activities
• Stage 2: For CalWORKs recipients who are employed or participating in welfare-to-work activities and former recipients who have been off cash aid for less than 24 months
• Stage 3: For families who have exhausted their Stage 2 eligibility but still need childcare assistance

Meadowlark Schools is authorized to accept all three stages of CalWORKs childcare payment.

California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

The California State Preschool Program provides free or low-cost preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children from low-income families. CSPP offers:

• Part-day and full-day options
• Developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Family support services

Families with incomes up to 100% of the State median income may qualify for part-day programs, while full-day programs require demonstrated need (such as employment or education).

Alternative Payment Program (APP)

The Alternative Payment Program provides vouchers that help eligible families pay for childcare at their provider of choice. This program:

• Serves low and moderate-income families
• Allows families to choose their preferred childcare setting
• Requires families to meet income eligibility guidelines and have a need for childcare (such as employment, education, or training)

Additional Accepted Programs

In addition to these major programs, we also work with:

• Child Care Food Program
• Respite Care Vouchers
• Other local assistance programs

If you're participating in a program not listed here, please contact us to discuss whether we can accommodate your specific subsidy.

Eligibility Information

While each program has its own specific eligibility requirements, most subsidy programs consider:

Income Guidelines

Eligibility is typically based on family size and income level. Generally, families with incomes at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) may qualify for assistance.

Need for Childcare

Most programs require that parents/guardians demonstrate a "need" for childcare, such as:

• Employment or self-employment
• Education or training
• Job search activities
• Incapacity due to medical or psychiatric conditions
• Homelessness or seeking permanent housing

Documentation Required

While specific requirements vary by program, most will require:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
• Verification of employment, education, or training
• Birth certificates for children
• Identification for parents/guardians
• Proof of residence in San Joaquin County

How We Support Families

Navigating childcare assistance programs can be complex. At Meadowlark Schools, we're committed to helping families through the process with:

Application Assistance

Our staff can:

• Help determine which programs you might qualify for
• Provide guidance on completing application forms
• Review documentation for completeness
• Answer questions about the application process

Agency Coordination

We maintain relationships with local subsidy agencies and can:

• Communicate directly with caseworkers when authorized
• Submit required attendance records
• Process payment vouchers
• Provide necessary documentation of our program

Ongoing Support

Our support doesn't end once you're enrolled. We continue to:

• Provide reminders about recertification deadlines
• Help with updated documentation as needed
• Advocate for your family when challenges arise
• Connect you with additional community resources

Self-Pay Options and Flexibility

For families who don't qualify for subsidy programs or who are waiting for approval, we offer various payment options:

Tuition Rates

Our tuition rates are competitive with other quality early childhood programs in Stockton. Please contact us for current rates, which vary depending on your child's age, schedule, and program.

Payment Plans

We offer flexible payment arrangements including:

• Monthly payment options
• Automatic withdrawal programs
• Credit card payments
• Online payment portal

Sibling Discounts

Families enrolling more than one child receive a discount on tuition for siblings, making high-quality care more affordable for larger families.

Next Steps for Families

1. Determine Your Eligibility

If you're unsure whether you qualify for childcare assistance, we recommend:

• Reviewing the general eligibility guidelines on this page
• Contacting your local resource and referral agency (Family Resource & Referral Center for San Joaquin County)
• Scheduling a financial consultation with our team

2. Gather Documentation

Begin collecting important documents that will be needed for your application:

• Income verification (recent pay stubs, tax returns)
• Work or school schedules
• Birth certificates for children
• Photo ID for parents/guardians
• Proof of address

3. Connect With Meadowlark

Our team can guide you through next steps:

• Join our interest list for our Stockton campus
• Schedule a financial consultation
• Attend a pre-opening information session
• Learn about our enrollment timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I begin the subsidy application process?

We recommend starting at least 2-3 months before you need care to begin. Subsidy applications can take time to process, and some programs may have waiting lists. 

Can I combine different forms of assistance?

In most cases, families will use one primary subsidy program. However, there may be circumstances where multiple forms of assistance can be combined. Our staff can help you understand what combinations might be possible for your situation.

What happens if my financial situation changes?

If your income or employment status changes while receiving subsidized care, you should notify both your subsidy program and our center immediately. Changes may affect your eligibility or required co-payments. We'll work with you to adjust as needed and ensure continuity of care whenever possible.

Do subsidy programs cover all childcare costs?

Coverage varies by program. Some programs cover the full cost of care, while others require family co-payments based on income and family size. During your financial consultation, we can help estimate any out-of-pocket costs based on your specific situation.

What if I don't qualify for subsidies but still need financial assistance?

If your income exceeds subsidy guidelines but you still find childcare costs challenging, please discuss your situation with us. We may be able to suggest payment plans or connect you with other community resources that could help.

Begin Your Journey With Meadowlark Schools

We invite all families, regardless of financial situation, to explore what Meadowlark Schools can offer your child. Our nature-based, play-centered approach provides children with the foundation they need to develop into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.

As we prepare to open our Stockton campus in August 2025, now is the perfect time to learn more about our program and begin the financial assistance application process.

Contact us to schedule a financial consultation or to join our interest list.