Child Care Assistance Programs in the U.S.


Millions of parents in the United States struggle to find affordable and quality care for their children. The costs of childcare can be expensive, but fortunately there are federal, state and local programs to help parents who need assistance. Although many of these programs are geared towards single mothers, there are opportunities for all parents to receive aid.

The most predominate and well-known federal program is Head Start, which helps prepare young children for regular schooling. The program is designed to enhance social and cognitive development by providing services related to health, nutrition, education and social skills. Head Start assists families with children ages 3-5.

Similarly, Early Head Start is for infants and toddlers, from pre-birth to the age of 3. The goal of this program is to promote healthy family habits through education.

Head Start programs are generally for limited-income families who receive aid through Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Children from foster homes or homeless families also usually qualify, as well as those below poverty level. In some cases, even families who are technically above poverty levels may enroll in Head Start.

There may also be options available for childcare assistance at the state level. Although it varies from state-to-state, most aid programs are administered through the Department of Human Services or a similar agency.

To qualify for most state programs, families must meet certain income guidelines or demonstrate that they need childcare in order to go to work. These programs often come with age stipulations as well, such as limiting care to only children under the age of 13.

States commonly run childcare assistance through a voucher program. When this is the case, a family in need will receive a certain amount of money, or a voucher, to help pay for the services of a local daycare or preschool.

In addition to federal and state aid, some local governments provide additional assistance for childcare. These programs are usually run through city or county social services or public health agencies. To find out more about the availability of these programs, contact a social worker in your community.

ChildcareCenter.us has a free and complete online listing of providers, including reviews from parents that help others find quality, subsidized childcare locations. The site also features contact information for local referral resources so parents can find places to get additional information in their respective counties.

The government has a lot of resources to help families in need take care of their children. If you’re looking for assistance, make sure you check into all of your options at every level.

9 thoughts on “Child Care Assistance Programs in the U.S.

  1. Need info on how to Contact childcare assistance programs on the federal gov level, Thank you.

  2. Hello my name is Angelica Vega
    I just had a baby and I due back to work now in November. I am a single parent and I need help to find a provider and financial assistance to be able to afford a day care.
    Thanks You

  3. Hi I’m a full time working and single mother of a 6 month old baby girl and am i need of child care assistance. I would love more information on how to receive help.

  4. Hi, I’m a full time working single mother of a 16 month old and I’m in need of childcare assistance. I need information on how to apply for the program

  5. Hello my name is Daja Calhoun
    I just had a baby and am going back to work now in January. I am a single parent and need help to find a provider and financial assistance to be able to afford a day care.
    Thanks You

  6. EASTMAN COMMUNITY CHILDCARE
    15 WOODSIDE ST ROCHESTER NY 14615
    Owner Valerie Nix
    Director Charle M. Moore
    To all parents of the Rochester NY area. Please do not use this program. The transportation system is sorely unorganized. There is not Structure parents are told pick up time is between 7:45 am and 8:55 am any time in-between so if you work or not your job is in jeopardy. Drop of time is chaos as well anytime. They come when they want to or some time not at all. When you call to complain there is no solution. They cause a lot of unnecessary stress for parents,caregivers and guardians . There is no accountability. t
    They are a glorified daycare offering “free kindergarten” parents please do not send your children there by using there transportation your employment is in jeopardy for you being late and having to scramble for care because you are depending on their transportation. Help close there transportation by not utilizing them . Put there business in jeopardy just as they WILL PUT YOURS BY USING THEM FOR TRANSPORTATION OF YOUR CHILDREN. WORSE TRANSPORTATION I EVER EXPERIENCE . THEY SEEM NICE BUT ARE DECEPTIVE. PLEASE WHATEVER YOU DO DON’T BE FOOLED YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.

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