Help paying for childcare
Childcare is one of the most significant expenses that working families face today. Fortunately, there are a number of government programs, nonprofit organizations, and local community initiatives that can help low to moderate income families pay for childcare. From free or subsidized daycare to after-school programs and help with preschool tuition, there are options out there. Get government vouchers for working parents (or single moms or ads), financial help from charity programs as well as subsidies or vouchers from CCAP. While some of the daycare assistance programs and subsidies are income-based on a sliding fee scale, if the parent’s income is low enough then they may be eligible to enroll into a free daycare from a charity or a government benefit program. In addition, there is often assistance available to pay for all types of day care and ades of kids, whether a newborn, teen, pre or after school care too.
Government programs that help pay for childcare
Federal government
Child Care and Development Block Grant funds
are issued to states, non-profits and counties across the nation who administer the program at the local level. In some cases it pay for the entire cost of daycare, so in effect the low-income household can get free child care from the government. This assistance at the state level, usually referred to as CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) is made available to eligible low-income families and parents who are training for a job or that are currently working. Note most states run their child care assistance through a program commonly called CCAP, though names and guidelines vary by state. These federal and sometimes supplemental state subsidies often cover part or even all of the cost of care for children from infancy through age 13, including licensed daycare centers as well as in-home care providers, which can even be a family member. The government will also help pay for before and after-school care as well as summer programs. Parents usually apply through their state’s Department of Human Services, Social Services , or Children and Families agency . See below for a list by state. Approval depends on income, household size, employment or training status, and age of children. If approved, the state pays a portion directly to the provider or the state pay 100% of the cost, while the family may be responsible for a small co-pay. Some states government benefits provide child care payment help to parents in college or technical school too. In general, to get government help with daycare expenses , the low-income parent or family needs to be working or attending school a minimum of 20 hours per week. Teenage parents as well as single mothers can also usually enroll, provided they remain in school and continue working towards their GED. Daycare assistance programs will pay for kids of all ages, from newborns to toddlers or pre-school.
Head Start and Early Head Start
provide free early childhood education, which includes daycare. The government program also pay for health screenings, nutritious meals as part of child care, and social services to children ages 3 to 5 from income-eligible families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to age 3. Unlike a traditional daycare, Head Start focuses on preparing children academically and socially for kindergarten while supporting parents with resources and counseling. Eligibility is based on family income, and children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or receiving TANF or SSI are automatically eligible. Learn more on Head Start for kids .
State government Funded Pre-K and Universal Pre-K
is an option for households with a limited income. Many states offer state-funded preschool programs which helps pay for childcare when the child is very young. The benefits are often called Universal Pre-K (UPK), however state's may vary the names. The program will provide free or low-cost early childhood education for 4-year-olds, and in some states, 3-year-olds. These programs may be offered in public schools, community centers, or private child care providers that partner with the state. Enrollment is usually based on age and residency, though income may factor in if space is limited.
Charities and non-profits often offer child care assistance
Several national and local charities provide financial help with child care costs. Or they offer lower income families free or income-based care. The vulnerable are more likely to get 100% free care, and this can include single mothers, women facing/fleeing domestic violence or abuse, and families living in/or near poverty Some organizations directly run early learning and after-school programs. Some notable options include: YWCA childcare assistance programs operate in most local communities. The national charity focuses on helping women, in particular low-income and single moms. They have many childcare programs, including cheap and free care in some cases. There is pre-school, care for kindergartens, infant and newborn programs and more. There are centers nationwide, including most likely near you, that offer financial assistance. More on YWCA childcare assistance . Other churches, charities and non-profits organizations provide free or low-cost child care. The amount of help varies widely. Low-income families can apply to Catholic Charities daycare centers, Salvation Army after school programs, and others. Locate charity organizations near you . While not as common, some Salvation Army locations offer daycare centers or child care assistance, especially for homeless or struggling families. They will often be after school type care available on a sliding fee scale, with more details here on the Salvation programs in each state . Catholic Charities daycare assistance programs are wide ranging and they take people regardless of their religion. In many areas, Catholic Charities runs Head Start centers or partners with local child care providers to offer subsidized or free care with more details on local Catholic Charities programs for struggling people . Boys & Girls Clubs of America have a number of programs that help kids, and most are year round. While not a full-time daycare provider, many Boys & Girls Clubs offer affordable after-school care, enrichment activities, and summer programs at a very low cost and locate a club here. https://www.bgca.org/get-involved/find-a-club/ . Sliding scale and Income-Based Child Care Centers are offered by many local non-profits. They can even be “for-profit” providers. Some child care providers operate on a sliding scale model, where fees are adjusted based on household income. These providers may be affiliated with community action agencies, local school districts, or nonprofits like Child Care Aware or United Way. Call 1-800-424-2246, or parents can use the https://www.childcareaware.org . provider locator to search for local options.
Additional programs, including TANF, tax credit and more for child care assistance
State or federal income tax credits and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be an option. Families should not overlook tax-based help (either in their state or federally) with child care costs. The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can reduce the amount of taxes owed if you pay for child care while working or looking for work. Also, families with access to Dependent Care FSAs through their employer can set aside pre-tax income (and get a reduction in their tax obligations) to pay for qualifying child care expenses. Public School aftercare programs are offered by many local public elementary schools, including maybe yours. They offer after-school care programs, sometimes called Extended Day or Out-of-School-Time programs. These programs for families of any income provide supervised care, homework help, enrichment activities, and a safe space for children until parents finish work. Employer-Provided or sponsored child care programs can include financial aid or subsidies. Some employers, particularly hospitals, universities, and large corporations offer child care benefits. These may include on-site or subsidized daycare, vouchers to help pay for child care expenses, FSA accounts, and discounted rates at local daycare providers. Free daycare may be provided to TANF recipients (government cash assistance) or homeless people . Special rules may apply if the child is in foster care, the family or single person is homeless, or the household receives TANF benefits . They may have 100% of the bill paid and also be able to bypass any waiting lists and get priority to a daycare assistance program. If you need help in locating a subsidized or free daycare provider near you , this is usually available. Many counties participate in the Child Care Information Services (CCIS) or CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) program. Parents can get information on everything from how to apply for financial help from the government to pay for daycare bills or free vouchers. Households can also get information on enrolling their young child, toddler, pre-schooler or newborn into trustworthy, licensed yet affordable child care centers that operate in their community. Many individuals are able to select from a variety of registered and licensed providers, including those that are sponsored by faith-based or Christian organizations that may engage in religious activities. Find more tips on how to find affordable day or child care centers .
How to apply for free daycare programs or to find help pay for childcare
In many regions of the country, parents or the child’s guardian can apply for daycare help in their state or an area near them. It is also generally available to apply by telephone or online, with contact information below by state. The main website for the government child care agency is here. https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/get-help-paying-for-child-care .
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada