The Basics: How to Find Child Care Financial Assistance

Finding child care can feel daunting, especially because it is so expensive. As a mom of an 8-month-old, I just began the process of finding child care when I returned to work full time. I am still navigating it on a weekly basis.

The good news is that there are many programs available to help alleviate the financial burden of child care so that you can prioritize finding high-quality child care while working or attending school.

Government Assistance

One of the first steps you can take when trying to find financial assistance is exploring what your state and local governments offer. Many of these programs have eligibility requirements. Here’s a list of a few programs most states have:

Child Care Financial Assistance

Funding from the federal government to assist eligible working families with the cost of child care. Eligibility for these subsidies and free child care varies in each state.

Head Start

Programs run by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for children from birth to 5 years that support quality early care and education, well-being, and physical health. Some states have child care centers that provide low cost or free child care. Designed for low-income families.

State-Funded Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP)

State-run child care subsidy programs between the ages of 3 and 5 to prepare for kindergarten. Eligibility varies but some families may be eligible for low or no cost at all.

Military Child Care Assistance

Military families may be eligible for financial assistance for child care where they are stationed in addition to other child care assistance.

Tribal Child Care Financial Assistance

Tribal families may be eligible for financial assistance for child care in addition to other child care assistance.

To find child care resources in your state, use the locator tool on ChildCare.gov.

Tax Credits

Another way to offset the costs of child care are through tax credits. Certain requirements apply and you must file a tax return, even if you don’t owe any income taxes.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is available to individuals or families who had to pay for child care for children under 13 years old. They must need child care so that the parent/guardian can work or search for work.

The Child Tax Credit provides a tax credit to all individuals or families who have a child under age 17 in the home. This is a partially refundable tax credit, meaning that if it exceeds the amount of taxes you owe, you can still receive some of the credit as a tax refund payment.

The Earned Income Tax Credit helps eligible families receive a tax break. It can potentially reduce the taxes you owe in order to possibly increase how much of a tax refund you receive.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for these credits, you can access reliable and free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance tool to find free tax help in your area.

Grants/Scholarships/Discounts

Exploring the services your local non-profits offer can help offset the costs of child care. Many non-profit organizations or private child care providers offer child care scholarship programs, grants, or discounts if you are eligible. As you interview childcare providers, ask them if they offer any discounts or scholarships.

For example, First Things First offers the Quality First Scholarship for children to attend early childhood education programs. Your local YMCA may offer affordable child care or scholarships. Contact your local Child Care Resources & Referral Agency to connect with resources in your area.

If you find a child care program you really like, ask them directly about discounts for siblings and military families. Some places offer discounts for public service providers like health care workers, teachers, and social workers. Additionally, some providers may offer sliding scale rates for families who cannot afford their regular rates.

There are also national organizations that offer grants to assist parents with the costs of child care, like Soroptimist’s Live your Dream Award. With this award, mothers can win a cash grant that they can use toward their education. This support can also cover the cost of a child enrolled in daycare.

Employer Benefits

Some employers partner with child care centers, offer subsidized child care, and other programs to assist their employees in finding child care.

Another option some employers offer is Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to help with child care expenses. Some employers contribute funds to your account.

If you are a student, some colleges and universities offer affordable child care on campus. Your institution may also offer case management to help you find affordable child care in your area.

Preparing for Your Child's Future

When pursuing your child care options, it is important to remember the following:

Apply, apply, apply… The worst that can happen is that they say no.

Be prepared with your proof of income including pay stubs and child support documentation.

Reach out to your household members or network for support. It can be hard to find child care, so utilize family members who are safe and available to help watch your children.

The stress of finding and paying for child care can feel overwhelming. Knowing my options helped me to reduce that stress and feel confident in the avenues I pursued.

Use the She Might Child Care Questionnaire to help you determine if the daycare is safe and has the best interest of your child at heart.