About the Program
Park City has invested $1 million in our local early care and education eco-system to support the stability of our local childcare industry and make care more affordable for families who live or work in Park City. The program launched on January 1, 2024. Eligible early care and education expenses will be paid through a combination of a family contribution and a tuition scholarship provided by the city. Park City has hired Upwards to administer the program and funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are two types of assistance available for families who live or work within the boundaries of Park City: (1) Needs-Based; and (2) Infant & Toddler. Park City Municipal employees are also eligible for a scholarship, regardless of where they live.
RESIDENTIAL NEEDS BASED SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility criteria:
- Park City resident (84060 zip code)
- Children up to kindergarten eligibility age (children are eligible for kindergarten if they have turned 5 before September 2)
- Household income of less than 100% of Summit County’s Area Median Income
- Child enrolled in a regulated child care provider located within Summit County
- Households must contribute 10% of the household income to childcare per month (this is the total contribution, not per child)
The amount of the needs-based scholarship is determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the family contribution and any DWS subsidy, the Park City needs-based scholarship will ensure that the combination of the family contribution and any DWS subsidy equate to the greater of the actual cost of tuition or $1700 per month. To see a potential estimate of the amount of the needs-based scholarship, please visit this calculator.
INFANT & TODDLER SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility criteria:
- Park City resident or workforce (84060 zip code)
- Children up to 36 months old
- Household income of less than 100% of Summit County’s Area Median Income
- Child enrolled in a regulated child care provider located within Summit County
Scholarship amount is $200 per child, per month.
PARK CITY MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility criteria:
- Employed by Park City Municipal
- Children up to kindergarten eligibility age (children are eligible for kindergarten if they have turned 5 before September 2)
- Household income of less than 100% of Summit County’s Area Median Income
Scholarship amount is $200 per child, per month.
SUMMIT COUNTY PROVIDER INCENTIVE
Summit County-based childcare providers are also eligible for an additional provider incentive of $300 per month. per child to serve children whose families live or work within the city limits and receive a childcare subsidy from the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Eligible applicants must submit documentation to establish income and other eligibility requirements.
Households who appear to be eligible for the childcare subsidy from the Utah Department of Workforce Services must apply for this assistance.
CURRENT CHILDCARE PROVIDERS
Note this list is always changing and being updated. If you don’t see your provider, please still apply!
- Alpine Adventurer’s Academy I & II
- Back to Basics
- Creekside Kids Academy
- Deer Valley Child Care
- Holy Cross Ministries
- PC Tots & PC Tots Too
- Little Adventures Childrens Center at Canyons
- Love and Learning
- Small World Center
- Stepping Stones
- Thriving Day Academy
- The PEEK Program
Frequently Asked Questions About Childcare Scholarships
Review the eligibility criteria for each type of scholarship. Contact Upwards with any questions. Call them at 323.991.7368 or via their website at upwards.com/childcare-assistance.
Yes. Area median income limits are updated each year and are scaled based upon household size. You can view the 2023 income limits by coping this link: https://bit.ly/3VKklx0. The 2024 income limits are likely to be released in April or May of 2024.
The Needs-Based scholarship is awarded on a case-by-case basis. Families are expected to contribute at least 10% of their income towards their childcare expenses and the maximum sum of the needs-based scholarship and family contributions is $1,700. The calculator below helps potentially eligible families estimate the possible amount of a needs-based scholarship. This is just an estimate and does not guarantee any actual payment. Both the Infant and Toddler and Park City Municipal Employee scholarships are both $200 per month, per child.
You will need to establish proof of the child’s age, proof of income, proof of residency (if applicable), proof of employment (if applicable), and proof of DWS benefits (if applicable).
No. All scholarship awards will be made directly to the childcare provider. Families do not receive any funds directly.
Submit an application through Upwards. They will inform you of your eligibility status within one week.
Upwards makes all eligibility determinations. There is no formal appeal process. Once the 2024 Area Median Income limits are issued this Spring, check your income against the current limits in case it changes your eligibility status.
No. Your immigration status will not be asked for when applying to the Park City Child Care Needs-Based Scholarship Program. We welcome all families in need of childcare assistance, regardless of immigration status. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), payments made directly to child care providers under subsidy programs are generally not considered taxable income for the parents receiving the assistance. This is because the subsidies are intended to cover the costs of child care services and are not viewed as income to the recipients. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the latest IRS guidelines for specific tax implications related to child care subsidies.
Child care providers partnering with Upwards under the Park City Childcare Program will not be assessed the 3% partner fee. Families do not pay any application fees.
For the Needs-Based scholarship, the 10% family contribution is in the aggregate, not per child. The Toddler and Infant and Park City Municipal Employee scholarships are awarded per child.
Resources
Spanish flyers are available here.
Scholarship Calculator
The calculator above helps potentially eligible families estimate the possible amount of a Childcare Needs-Based Scholarship provided by the city of Park City. This is just an estimate and does not guarantee any actual payment. This calculator applies to families with children under the age of public school kindergarten eligibility who live within the Park City limits and meet income eligibility requirements.
Determine your family’s AMI using the chart below based on the number of people in your household to estimate the maximum amount of potential childcare needs-based scholarship.
For example, a 3-person household earning $135,000 a year earns less than 100% of AMI, but a 2-person household earning the same annual income earns more than 100% of AMI.
- If your family earns less than 100% AMI based upon your household size, then enter your annual income in the box.
- If your family earns more than 100% AMI based upon your household size, then you are not eligible for a childcare needs-based scholarship.
