Overview

About 35% of CCS students receive financial aid or other forms of tuition subsidy in order to attend.

• CCW: We accept Child Care Works (CCW, also known as ELRC or previously known as CCIS), Pennsylvania state subsidies for low-income working families.
• PHLpreK: We are a provider with PHLpreK, Philadelphia’s free high-quality preschool initiative! 
• Financial Aid: We provide direct financial aid, with awards typically ranging from 2–25% of tuition.

Applications for school-based financial aid for 2026–27 will be open in March 2026. Please read the materials below carefully before applying. Contact us with any questions.

Financial Aid Application

In addition to subsidy programs like CCW or PHLpreK, we offer direct financial aid.

Financial Aid Applications for 2026-27 are now open!

How to Apply

1. Prepare.
   1. Look at the list of application questions before you actually start the application, and make sure you are prepared to answer them.
   2. Gather any documentation needed (see below).
2. Apply before March 20, 2026 for consideration in first round financial aid decisions. Complete the application online.
3. Submit Documentation. Documentation can be emailed to financialaid@childrenscommunityschool.org, or hard copies can be mailed or dropped off at the school. One of the two types of income & expense documentation is required:
   1. Proof of Income and Expenses/Debts/Liabilities
      1. Income: 1040 or W2 or 1099 or paystub for all jobs listed
      2. Expenses, Debts, and Liabilities: For any item that is more than 10% of your income, submit documentation (e.g., copy of rent check, or bill for childcare expenses, or credit card statement).
   2. Proof of current receipt of public benefits, if applicable.
   3. Proof of dependent disability diagnosis and dependent enrollment in special education programs, if applicable.

If you have questions about this process, contact financialaid@childrenscommunityschool.org.

CCW

Child Care Works (CCW, also known as ELRC, or previously known as CCIS), is a Pennsylvania state subsidy for low-income working families. Families who qualify pay a weekly co-pay directly to CCS plus a weekly sliding scale tuition fee, and CCW covers the remainder. The CCW program at CCS runs from 8:15am-6pm with free early drop off at 8:00am. Alternately, families can apply for PHLpreK to cover sliding scale tuition during the PHLPreK Program.

CCW One Page Info Sheet

If you’re already enrolled in CCW (Child Care Works, also known as CCIS or ELRC), we may have CCW seats available.  Please contact admissions to discuss enrollment: admissions@childrenscommunityschool.org 

If you’re not enrolled in CCW but your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level and you are employed, you may be eligible for CCW subsidy. Reach out to Child Care Works for more information.

PHLpreK

Find out more about CCS’s participation in this program, and how your family can apply, click the link above.

The PHLPreK program at CCS runs for specific dates which are posted on the academic calendar, and the daily schedule is 8:15am – 3pm.  Aftercare 3-6pm and enrollment for dates before or after the PHLPreK program is subject to availability.  Tuition Rates apply.

Families are encouraged to apply for CCW to cover aftercare and wraparound summer care.