Relative Care Providers

A relative (18 years or older providing child care in a separate residence) may care for children up to age 13 and participate in the subsidized child care program if they meet certain criteria to ensure child safety, such as obtaining background checks.

A Relative Child Care Provider is a person who provides legally unregulated care for three or fewer related children (grandparents are permitted to care for up to six grandchildren). The relative provider must be related to the child by marriage, court decree, or blood relationship, such as a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt/uncle, or a sibling who doesn’t live in the same household.

Become a Relative Care Provider

To become an unregulated relative provider, caregivers must meet the following standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to qualify for child care subsidy payments:

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Sign an Attestation form with the parent to verify the provider’s relationship to the child

  • May not live with the child for whom they are providing care

  • Provide proof of working phone and address

  • Provide written notice no later than 72 hours after anyone in their home is arrested, convicted, or listed as a perpetrator of child abuse

  • Have FBI fingerprints taken

    • For more information about fingerprinting visit identogo.com or call 1.844.321.2101.

    • There is a fee for obtaining fingerprints.

  • Complete Mandated Reporter Training

  • Pass Criminal and Child Abuse background check (Act 33 and 34 Clearances)

    • A one-time fee of $35 will be deducted from the first subsidy payment to cover this cost.

  • Complete the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR)

    • Visit the keepkidssafe.pa.gov to print and complete the NSOR application.

    • There is no fee, but processing may take 14 business days.

  • Complete an orientation and sign an ELRC Provider Agreement

  • Provide a valid Photo ID, Social Security Card, or proof of Social Security Number

For additional questions, please contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 or email us at elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.