1. What Is MAOF?
The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is one of the largest community-based organizations in California, serving families in Los Angeles County since 1963. MAOF administers child care subsidies funded by the California Department of Education (CDE) — providing vouchers that pay for licensed child care at approved providers, including Montessori Academy.
MAOF is not the only subsidy program available. It is one of several agencies through which state and federal child care funding reaches families. Understanding the full landscape of options is critical, because different programs have different eligibility requirements, income limits, and age ranges — and some families qualify for more than one.
Key fact: A MAOF voucher at Montessori Academy Downey provides the same full-day Montessori education (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, year-round) that private-pay families receive at our Culver City and West Adams campuses — including the Montessori Work Cycle, bilingual language immersion, and a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio — at no cost to the family.
2. All Five LA County Subsidy Programs Compared
| Program | Funded By | Ages Served | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAOF (via CCTR/CSPP) | CA Dept of Education | Birth – 12 years | Income ≤ 85% SMI + need (work/school) |
| CCTR (CA Child Care & Development) | CA Dept of Education | Birth – 12 years | Income ≤ 85% SMI + need (work/school) |
| CSPP (CA State Preschool Program) | CA Dept of Education | 3–4 years | Income ≤ 100% SMI; no need requirement for part-day |
| CalWORKs Stage 1/2/3 | CA DPSS (welfare-to-work) | Birth – 12 years | Receiving CalWORKs cash aid + in work/training |
| Head Start | Federal (HHS) | 3–5 years | Income ≤ 100% FPL (Federal Poverty Level) |
Which one should you apply for? If you are working or enrolled in education and your income is below the State Median Income ceiling, start with MAOF/CCTR. If you are receiving CalWORKs cash aid, you likely already have CalWORKs Stage 1 child care. If your child is 3–4 and your income is below the poverty line, Head Start may be the fastest path. Our admissions team at Montessori Academy Downey — (562) 291-2324 — can help you determine the right program for your family.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for MAOF Child Care
MAOF Application Process
- Gather your documents: Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter), proof of need (employment verification, school enrollment, or CalWORKs participation), child's birth certificate, and current immunization records.
- Contact MAOF: Call the MAOF Child Development main office at (323) 890-9600 or visit maof.org to find your nearest intake center.
- Complete your application: A MAOF caseworker will review your documents, verify your income and need, and determine your eligibility category and family fee (if any).
- Choose your provider: Once approved, select Montessori Academy Downey (7515 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241) as your licensed child care provider.
- MAOF issues your voucher: MAOF pays Montessori Academy directly. You pay only your assessed family fee (often $0 for the lowest income brackets).
- Your child starts: Complete enrollment paperwork with our admissions team. Most children can begin within 2–3 weeks of voucher issuance.
If you already have an active MAOF, CCTR, or CalWORKs voucher at another provider (a licensed daycare, for example), you can transfer your voucher to Montessori Academy by notifying your caseworker of the provider change. The subsidy process is the same — only the school changes. Call our Downey team at (562) 291-2324 and we will walk you through the transfer.
4. What Your Child Gets With a MAOF Voucher at Montessori Academy
This is the part most families don't realize: a MAOF voucher at Montessori Academy Downey is not a "discount" version of our program. Your child receives exactly the same education as a private-pay family:
- Full-day Montessori education — 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, year-round
- Three-hour uninterrupted work cycle with self-selected materials in a prepared environment
- 1:4 ratio (infants/toddlers) and 1:5 ratio (preschool) — dramatically better than CA minimums
- Daily bilingual language immersion — Spanish, French, and Tagalog at Downey
- Mixed-age classrooms — ages 3–6 in Primary; toddler and Nido programs also available
- Practical life curriculum — independence, fine motor skills, concentration
- Access to the Nido infant program (6 weeks+) and toddler program (ages 2–3)
- Campus Director: Veronica Tapia · CA Lic: #198400903
For families who are comparing this to a standard licensed daycare (where the subsidy buys supervision at a 1:12 ratio), the difference is substantial. Read our full comparison in Montessori vs Daycare.
5. What If I Lose My Subsidy Eligibility?
This is the question families are most afraid to ask — and the one we answer honestly. If your income rises above the ceiling, or your qualifying need changes (you leave your job or withdraw from school), your subsidy may be paused or terminated.
Here is what happens next:
- CalWORKs Transitional Child Care (TCC): If you lose CalWORKs benefits, TCC provides up to 24 months of continued child care assistance while you stabilize.
- CSPP may still apply: If your child is 3–4 and your income is below 100% SMI, you may qualify for CSPP even without a work requirement (part-day only).
- Head Start: If your income drops below the Federal Poverty Level, Head Start eligibility opens automatically.
- Private pay: Montessori Academy offers private-pay tuition for families who lose subsidies. At Downey, talk with Veronica Tapia about payment plans at (562) 291-2324.
The most important thing is: your child's enrollment is not immediately terminated. We work with families to find a path forward. Call us before panicking.
6. MAOF vs Public TK: Which Is the Better Deal?
California's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) expansion now offers free public education for 4-year-olds. Some families assume this eliminates the need for a subsidy-funded preschool. The comparison is worth understanding:
- TK hours: Typically 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM (school day only). No summer. No before/after care in many districts.
- Montessori Academy with MAOF: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, year-round. Full before and after care included.
- TK ratio: 1:12 (moving toward 1:10 by 2026).
- Montessori Academy ratio: 1:5.
- TK curriculum: State standards-based, teacher-directed.
- Montessori Academy: Child-directed prepared environment, Montessori Work Cycle, practical life, language immersion.
For working families, the MAOF-funded Montessori option is often the superior choice because of year-round full-day coverage. For the detailed comparison, read Montessori vs TK in California.
7. Subsidy Options at Culver City and West Adams
While the MAOF voucher program is most commonly used at Downey, our other two campuses also serve subsidy-eligible families:
- Culver City (est. 1986) — Dir: Gaby Ponce — 5881 Green Valley Cir — (310) 215-3388 — Lic: #197419927. Serves Culver City, Playa Vista, Mar Vista, Marina del Rey, Westchester, and Ladera Heights.
- West Adams (est. 2019) — Dir: Vanessa Verastegui — 4449 W. Adams Blvd — (323) 795-0200 — Lic: #197494220. Serves West Adams, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Mid-City, and Jefferson Park. Private-pay tuition approximately $1,675–$1,850/mo.
If you hold a MAOF or CCTR voucher and would prefer to enroll at Culver City or West Adams, contact MAOF at (323) 890-9600 to confirm voucher portability for your geographic area. For the full cost picture across all campuses, see Montessori Preschool Cost in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions — MAOF & Child Care Subsidies
What is MAOF and how does it help with child care costs?
MAOF (Mexican American Opportunity Foundation) administers child care subsidies funded by the California Department of Education. Eligible families receive vouchers that pay for licensed child care — including Montessori preschool — at no cost or reduced cost.
Does Montessori Academy accept MAOF subsidies?
Yes. Montessori Academy Downey (7515 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241) is an approved MAOF provider. The majority of families at Downey are subsidy-funded. Call Campus Director Veronica Tapia at (562) 291-2324.
What are the income requirements for MAOF?
Income limits are based on the State Median Income (SMI). For a family of 3: approximately $6,396/month gross. For a family of 4: approximately $7,459/month. Contact MAOF at (323) 890-9600 for current thresholds.
What is the difference between MAOF, CCTR, CSPP, CalWORKs, and Head Start?
MAOF administers state-funded vouchers (CCTR/CSPP). CCTR covers working families. CSPP is free preschool for income-eligible 3–4-year-olds. CalWORKs provides child care for welfare-to-work participants. Head Start is federally funded for the lowest-income families. These can sometimes be combined.
How do I apply for MAOF child care subsidies?
Gather income proof, need documentation, birth certificate, and immunization records. Contact MAOF at (323) 890-9600. Complete the application. Choose Montessori Academy Downey as your provider. MAOF pays the school directly.
Can I transfer my existing MAOF voucher from a daycare to Montessori Academy?
Yes. Notify your MAOF caseworker of the provider change. The subsidy process stays the same — only the school changes. Call (562) 291-2324 and we will help coordinate.
What if I lose my MAOF eligibility while my child is enrolled?
Your child's enrollment is not immediately terminated. We help families explore CalWORKs TCC (24-month transitional care), CSPP, Head Start, or private-pay options. Call (562) 291-2324 before panicking.
Are MAOF subsidies available at Culver City or West Adams?
MAOF vouchers are portable — if you live in an eligible area, the subsidy may apply at any campus. Contact MAOF at (323) 890-9600 to confirm portability for your case.
Call Montessori Academy Downey About Your Subsidy
Don't navigate the subsidy process alone. Our Downey admissions team has helped hundreds of families enroll through MAOF, CCTR, CSPP, CalWORKs, and Head Start. We will tell you which program fits your situation and help you complete the paperwork.
Call (562) 291-2324 Schedule a Tour