Starting Oct. 1, new applicants of the Department of Public Health and Social Services' Child Care and Development Fund program will be placed on a waitlist as a result of limited federal resources. In addition, income eligibility guidelines for the program will return to pre-pandemic levels.
New applicants who meet the updated income criteria will be placed on a centralized waitlist rather than enrolled immediately. Priority, however, will be given to foster children and families experiencing homelessness for immediate enrollment as funding spaces open up.
Guam's maximum subsidy rate is $700 per month, per child, this helps eligible working parents afford the costs of childcare. However, federal funding has been a growing concern for officials. According to Guam News Network files, Guam anticipates receiving $22 million in federal CCDF funding for fiscal 2027, while program costs are projected at $29 million in fiscal 2026.
Although $7.3 million in local funds are being used to backfill the federally funded program administered locally by the Bureau of Child Care Services for fiscal 2026, officials are moving forward cautiously with fiscal 2027 federal funds.
Families who have active childcare subsidies through the program are not affected and will not be placed on a waitlist.
"Your current certification period will continue without interruption as long as you remain
eligible at your regular recertification date," DPHSS said.
The return to Standard State Median Income eligibility guidelines applies across the board, for new applicants and recertifications. DPHSS said both will be evaluated using Guam's SMI eligibility limits and sliding fee scale.
For example, a family with a household size of four must not exceed an annual household income of $76,521.55 or a maximum monthly income of $6,376.80 to qualify for the CCDF program.
"Families currently receiving childcare assistance are reminded that existing co-payment
requirements and responsibility for tuition amounts exceeding the CCDF maximum subsidy rate
remain unchanged. Parents should continue to ensure their children's attendance is accurately
recorded, as attendance documentation will determine the reimbursement," DPHSS said.
For additional information, visit www.guamchildcare.com, email childcare@dphss.guam.gov, or contact the Bureau of Child Care Services at (671) 969-7259.
