Applying to the CEL
To apply for subsidized assistance, a CEL Application must be completed in full. Applications can be completed by phone with CEL staff or obtained at any of the Participating Agencies, the CEL Administor or downloaded from the link below:
20082009App_EngPacket.pdf
20082009App_SpPacket.pdf
Applications can be personally delivered, mailed or faxed to:
CEL of Merced County
1460 West 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Fax No.: 209-354-1015
Applications are typically processed by the CEL Administrator within 24 hours of receipt. Once an application is processed, an applicant will receive a letter requesting that they contact the CEL office by phone to participate in a telephone verification screening to further evaluate their eligibility. When a Participating Agency has an opening or receives a funding allocation, the agency will draw eligible families from the CEL database and contact will be made to the applicant by phone and/or by mail.
Being on the eligibility list is not a guarantee of service and it is not possible to determine how long you might wait for services. However, participation in the CEL will place your family on the eligibility list for all state funded early care, early education and child care programs in Merced County. All of the information provided on the application will be verified by the enrolling agency. Therefore, it is important that all information provided is accurate and truthful. Failure to provide accurate information can exclude your application from consideration by all Participating Agencies. Additionally, it is important to regularly update your information if there is a change in your circumstances.
The Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) of Merced County and Participating Agencies are ensuring that personal and confidential information provided by applicants of the CEL will be reviewed only by authorized personnel and will not be released without the applicant's consent.