Enrollment and Application
Registration reopens soon
The waitpool will reopen on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
The waitpool will be available to families of full-time enrolled UCSC students and UCSC employees.
Tuition assistance
Does your family earn $127,344 or less per year?
You may qualify for free childcare tuition through our income-based assistance program.
Did you know?
- 75% of student families receive some form of financial assistance
- 70% of student families receive free childcare
- Employee families are eligible to apply, and if they qualify, can receive childcare tuition assistance
Our commitment to economic diversity
At the Early Education Center (EEC), we are dedicated to fostering a socioeconomically diverse community. To support this vision, our program provides need-based assistance and grants to families each year. We take into account various factors such as family income, size, and other eligibility requirements when determining assistance.
Our commitment to economic diversity is reflected in our annual tuition assistance programs. Each year, we allocate over 2.5 million dollars in support to families across a range of economic backgrounds. This ensures sustainable tuition for many families, helping to build a vibrant and dynamic community where all families can thrive.
UCSC student and employee families and tuition financial assistance
The EEC strives to support student and employee families’ access to education, work, and care for your child(ren). Financial assistance for childcare tuition is available to student, staff, and faculty families whose income and need for service meet the eligibility requirements. When both eligibility requirements are met, families may qualify for free or reduced fees.
Eligibility for state-funding support to receive free or reduced-tuition childcare
To qualify for free or reduced-childcare tuition enrollment in the Infant, Toddler, Twos, and School-Age Programs, family income must be at or below the amounts shown in the table below, which represents 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income Maximum | Monthly Fee for Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | $6,860 | $0–$69 (sliding scale based on income) |
| 3 | $7,785 | $0–$69 (sliding scale based on income) |
| 4 | $9,020 | $0–$69 (sliding scale based on income) |
To qualify for free or reduced-childcare tuition enrollment in the Preschool Program, family income must be at or below the amounts shown in the table below, which represents 100% of the State Median Income (SMI).
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income Maximum | Monthly Fee for Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | $8,071 | $0–$81 (sliding scale based on income) |
| 3 | $9,159 | $0–$81 (sliding scale based on income) |
| 4 | $10,612 | $0–$81 (sliding scale based on income) |
In addition to meeting income eligibility requirements, your family must demonstrate a need for childcare—such as working, attending school, or participating in an accredited college training program. If two parents or guardians live in the household, both must meet a qualifying need.
To be considered, you must meet the following:
- At least one parent must be a registered UC Santa Cruz Student with registration fees paid and enrolled in at least 12 units or be an employee at UC Santa Cruz
- The second Parent/Guardian must be engaged with one or both of the following:
- Working full or part-time
- Pursuing education or vocational training at an accredited college full-time or part-time
If you and your family have questions or wish to know more about funding support, please contact the office at (831) 459-3398 or earlyeducation@ucsc.edu.
Enrollment policy
Early Education Center Enrollment Policy
Program Cost
| Program | Staff to Child Ratio | Students (Fiscal Year 2026) | Staff/Faculty (Fiscal Year 2026) | Employees or Students with State Financial Assistance | Students with Federal CCAMPIS Financial Assistance |
| Infant/Toddlers 4mo–24mo | 1:3 | $1,406 | $2,941 | $0-79.90 | $703 |
| Twos 24mo–36mo | 1:4 | $1,170 | $2,389 | $0-79.90 | $585 |
| Preschool 3–5 yrs | 1:8 | $879 | $1,943 | $0-79.90 | $440 |
| School-Age TK–2nd Grade | 1:12 | $405 | $968 | $0-79.90 | $203 |
| Late Pick-Up Fee All ages | – | $26 | $26 | $26 | $26 |
- All shown tuition effective at the new Early Education Center.
- All rates are monthly unless otherwise noted.
- Per the California Department of Education and California Department of Social Services, fees can not be lower than the reimbursement rate.
- Late Pick-Up Fees are billed every 15 minutes.