Enrollment and Application
Ready to register?
Early Education Services (EES) encourages families interested in our programs to apply to our wait pool through the Procare Connect website. Please note that, at this time, the wait pool is available to families enrolled full-time at UCSC as undergraduate and graduate students.
By joining our wait pool, families will have the opportunity to be notified when spaces become available in our programs, ensuring they don’t miss out on quality early childhood education. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to secure potential space and stay informed about updates regarding availability.
If you’re not currently eligible for the wait pool, we invite you to join our interest list instead. It’s a great way to stay connected and be among the first to hear about future childcare opportunities.
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
Our commitment to economic diversity
At Early Education Services, 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 families and tuition financial assistance
EES strives to support student families’ access to education, work, and care for your child(ren). Financial assistance for childcare tuition is available to student 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, 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 | |
| 4 | $9,020 |
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 | |
| 4 | $10,612 |
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
- 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.