Early Learning Resource Center

Clearfield County League on Social Services is the grantee Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 2 serving Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter and Warren Counties.

ELRCs provide a single point-of-contact for families, early learning service providers, and communities to gain information and access services that support high-quality child care and early learning programs. This state and federal investment in Pennsylvania’s working families enables parents to maintain employment while creating opportunities for their children to develop and learn to their fullest potential.

Through the ELRC, child care professionals can obtain support in building quality outcomes for children by working with quality coaches to achieve Keystone STAR 3 and 4 status, building connections with community partners, and supporting children and families in accessing additional services, such as PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start, home-visiting, and Early Intervention.

The ELRC Region 2 provides assistance to parents with childcare needs, subsidies that helps eligible families pay for childcare, and acts as a resource and referral in helping parents locate a child care provider.  Additionally, we provide consumer education about quality child care.

PA Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program

The subsidized child care program helps low-income families pay for childcare needs.  Those who meet the guidelines receive payment assistance through ELRC for child care services.  Guidelines are as follows:

• You must live in Pennsylvania
• You must apply in your region of residency
• Meet income guidelines for your family size
• Work 20 or more hours a week – or-
• Work 10 hours and attend an accredited educational program for 10 hours a week
• The child who needs care must be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency
• Have proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home
• Have a child or children who need child care while you work or attend an education program
• Have verification of employment that will commence within 30 days of your application for subsidized child care.

The annual income for a family to be eligible to receive child care assistance through ELRC, must meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

You may submit an application to the Early Learning Resource Center Region 2 using the online application or call 1-800-442-5807 or 814-765-1546 to see if you meet the guidelines for the subsidized child care program and/or other programs in your area.  All applications will require verification of employment, income, address, photo ID, family composition, and training if applicable.  When completing an online or paper application, supplemental documentation can be submitted to the Early Learning Resource Center Region 2 via US mail, fax, or email at:

PO Box 249
Hyde, PA 16843
Fax:  (814) 765-8312
Email: [email protected]

Families receiving cash benefits such as TANF, SNAP, or General Assistance from the County Assistance Office may be eligible for childcare assistance. This determination is made by your local County Assistance Office.  Teen parents wishing to continue their education may also be eligible for this program.  Teens are not required to be employed, but classroom attendance is required.

For questions about the Child Care Works program, please contact the Region 2 ELRC at (814) 765-1546, toll-free at (800) 442-5807, or by calling the PA Helpline at (800) 4-PA-KIDS.

Resource and Referral Program

The ELRC Region 2 can provide a list of DHS certified child care providers based on parent criteria, such as type of care, age of child, location, or special needs.  You can also search for child care providers online at www.findchildcare.pa.gov

Child care referrals will be provided to you, but at no time will a program be recommended.  Our goal is to provide a parent/caretaker with the tools to choose a quality program that suits the family’s needs.