Child Care Assistance Every Family Should Know About

The cost of childcare is often a weighty expense for many families to carry. The average fee for full-time care ranges from approximately $3,700 to $16,400 a year - depending on where the family lives. This can be especially difficult for single parents who are solely responsible for all of the incoming bills. Affordable and reliable daycare centers are essential as in many circumstances, parent(s) are busy working to earn for their family or attending college for a higher degree and better career opportunities. With a limited income, the expense of child care can be beyond the reach of low-income families struggling to make ends meet. For that reason, there are several government programs meant to assist families in paying for childcare.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a federally funded program for low-income families with children from three to five years of age. The program aims to promote school readiness by supporting the child’s development. The program varies from community to community but they are normally based in centers and schools. Head Start builds learning environments to benefit the cognitive, social and emotional well being of children.

Early head start provides infants, toddlers and pregnant families who have incomes below the Federal poverty level. Designed to nurture the relationship between parent and child, services include the full scope of family’s needs from pregnancy through a child’s third birthday.

Visit your nearest Head Start Program.

Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

The Federal Government provides funding for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) primarily through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other sources with States providing maintenance of effort and matching funds. This assistance is made available to eligible families and parents who are training for a job or are currently working. Subsidies and financial assistance are only available to families that qualify.

State Child Care Assistance/Child Care Vouchers

Each state receives funding from the government to support child care assistance programs. The programs aim to help families that qualify, pay for childcare expenses so they are able to work or go to school. Often the name of this programs varies from state to state along with eligibility requirements.

State Funded Pre-K

A majority of states provide funding for Pre-K programs for children from 3 to 5 years of age. Eligible families may receive these services for low or no cost. These programs are designed to provide grants to community- based organizations or school districts. A growing number of children are being served in these programs and become prepared to enter school ready to succeed.

Child Care Aware

Child care is one of the most important decisions a family can make, as the relationship your child has with their caregiver will affect how they feel about themselves and the world around them. Such a big decision can be overwhelming at times but this resource can help you finalize your choice. Child Care Aware is an organization that serves to help families locate child care support in their communities.