Financial Assistance at Owl Hill Learning Academy, Lititz

Are you looking for tuition assistance for preschool and/or child care? Owl Hill Learning Academy is happy to connect you with our region’s Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). ELRC oversees the Child Care Works program which helps low-income families pay their child care fees.  This program is funded by our state and federal governments.

We’ve provided some information and important links about the Child Care Works subsidy program. If at any time you have questions or need help in applying for assistance, please reach out to Michelle Ziegler, Director of Owl Hill Learning Academy Child Care Center in Lititz. With over 17 years of experience, Michelle is well-versed in the workings of the program and the application process.

How Does the Child Care Works Subsidy Program Work?

1. A family determines that they may meet the criteria to apply for assistance.
2. A family completes and submits the application for assistance. 
3. Once approved, the ELRC will pay part of the tuition/child care costs (a subsidy payment) directly to Owl Hill Learning Academy.
4. The family will pay part of the cost (a co-payment). Co-payments are made directly to Owl Hill Learning Academy.

Eligibility for Childcare Subsidy

ELRC determines the eligibility of families who apply for financial assistance from the Child Care Works program. Eligibility is based on income and several other factors.

• Age(s) of Child(ren)
  • Children under the age of 13 may qualify for assistance if the parents/guardians are working and/or enrolled in training or education programs. In addition, older children (ages 13 to 19) who are developmentally disabled and unable to care for themselves may also qualify for subsidized care.
  • Owl Hill Learning Academy serves children ages 3 to 11 years.
• Hours of Work or Training/Work
  • Each adult family member must work at least 20 hours per week.
  • Or be enrolled in a state-approved training program for at least 10 hours per week and be working at least 10 hours per week. 
• Hours of Childcare
  • The hours of childcare must match the parents/guardians hours of work, education, or training. Hours and space availability must be confirmed with Owl Hill Learning Academy. The hours at OHLA are 6:45 am to 5:00 pm.
• Co-Payment and Fees
  • The parent/guardian is responsible for paying the childcare provider the assigned weekly co-payment plus any additional fees charged by the provider. This co-payment is based on family size and income. Families only have one co-payment regardless of how many children they have in care.
  • ELRC will cover registration fees for new enrollments. 
• Income Reporting
  • Parents/guardians must report all forms of household income including child support, Social Security, public benefits and any other income. Any changes in household income must be reported. The annual income for a family to be eligible to receive a subsidy is 200 percent or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (shown above in table).
• Additional Information
  • Foster Families – The Children and Youth Agency handles referrals to the program.
  • Teen Parents – You are eligible to enroll. You must attend an education program.
  • Funding Availability – ELRC subsidies are based on the availability of program funding at the time the an application is approved. If funding is not available, a family will be placed on a waiting list.

Ready. Set. Apply.

Get ready to apply for the Child Care Works subsidy. Use this checklist to help you gather the necessary documents and information that you’ll need for the application.

To apply for ELRC, fill out the paper application and either drop it off at their main office or email it to [email protected].

Main Office

Early Learning Resource Center of Lancaster County
601 S. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603

Phone: 717-393-4004
Fax: 717-509-6797