Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) of Merced County

Important news for those administering CDE-funded child development programs, the Local Child Care Planning Council, Head Start, A.C.C.E.S.S. Resource & Referral and other interested persons:

The Budget Act of 2005 allocated $7.9 million to create a Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) in each county in California. Each county’s Alternative Payment Program (APP) is responsible for the design, maintenance and administration of the local CEL. In May 2005, the Merced County Office of Education became the APP contractor and, therefore, the CEL administrator.

All California Department of Education contractors must participate in order to be eligible for continued program funding. (Some contractors, campus and seasonal migrant programs may use their own lists, but should refer those they cannot serve to the CEL.) Head Start, because it is federally funded, is not required to participate. However, Merced County Head Start will definitely participate in Merced County’s CEL.

The California Department of Education has developed program requirements, funding allocations and contracts for each county. The Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) of Merced County is fully implemented and operating.

If you have any questions regarding the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) of Merced County,  please contact (209) 381-6784.