The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC, formerly CCIS), provides information on and access to safe and affordable child care services.
ELRC services are available to all residents of Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
Following eligibility determination, ELRC can also provide childcare subsidies to low-income families who are working or enrolled in training or education programs.
ELRC Updates
The ELRC Office in Ephrata is open on Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and closed: 12:00-1:00 pm for lunch.
Columbia is open Monday, Tuesday, & THursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm | closed: 12:00 – 1:00 pm for lunch.
If you need assistance, contact our main office in Lancaster City. Call: 717-393-4004 ext. 3300 or email eligibility@caplanc.org
Child Care FAQs for Families in Need
Child Care Provider Information and Referral Services
Lancaster County residents can gain access to the area’s early childhood education programs, search for child care providers, and learn about each provider’s Keystone Stars Rating by visiting www.compass.state.pa.us/childcaresearch or contacting the ELRC office directly. Information services are available at no cost, regardless of household income.
Keystone STARS
As you search for quality childcare, reach for Keystone STARS. Choosing the right childcare for your family is a huge decision, but chances are you have to make this decision right away – and it has to be close and not cost too much.
Keystone STARS helps you know what to expect when picking a program.
Child care programs that participate in Keystone STARS meet standards for teacher quality, classroom, and learning activities, working with you to support your child, and managing their program. Programs can earn from one to four Stars – the more Stars, the higher the quality. You know that they are meeting certain quality standards by their STAR rating – it can help narrow your search and get you to the right program faster. Visit www.papromiseforchildren.com and select “Keystone STARS” for more information.
Child Care Subsidies
ELRC provides childcare subsidies to low-income parents/caretakers whose children are under the age of 13 if the parent is working a minimum of 20 hours per week OR attending a training/educational program a minimum of 10 hours and working 10 hours per week. In addition, older children (ages 13 to 19) who are developmentally disabled and unable to care for themselves may also qualify for subsidized care. Parents/caretakers may choose any child care facility that participates in the ELRC program. ELRC pays a portion of the child care cost directly to the child care provider, and parent/caretakers pay a small portion, known as a co-payment, based on family size and income.


Click here to view income requirements
Locations:
Lancaster City
601 S. Queen St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717.393.4004
Fax: 717.509.6797
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Columbia
400 Chestnut St.
Columbia, PA 17512
Phone: 717.684.3333
Fax: 717.684.2200
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm closed: 12:00-1:00pm for lunch
Lebanon
808 Quentin Road
Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: 717.274.6552
Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Ephrata
560 S Reading Road
Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone: 717.393.4004
Hours: Wednesday – 8:00am to 4:30pm closed: 12:00-1:00 pm for lunch