How to Get Help With Day Care at a Low Income Level

The cost of child care can be out of reach for low-income families. Applying for assistance with child care allows low-income parents to continue working and move toward supporting their family on their own. Each state offers some form of child care assistance through a variety of government sources. Some charities such as the YWCA and the Salvation Army also offer child care help to families who qualify for their programs. Not every daycare accepts child care assistance, so you must be prepared to locate a participating child care facility.

Instructions

1. Contact your local workforce or government assistance office. Ask the receptionist what child care programs they offer. Government assistance offices often provide child care assistance to those who qualify for welfare while workforce offices offer programs to help those employed on a full-time basis.

2. Apply for the child care assistance programs in your area. If you are unemployed and want to go back to work, check the government assistance programs. Applications require the names and ages of your children, your financial status and proof of your address.

3. Contact the United Way hotline by dialing 211 and ask about child care assistance from local charities. The 211 hotline operator can provide contact information for charities that assist residents in your neighborhood.

4. Provide proof of employment or lack of employment depending on the assistance program. Some programs also request proof that your child can attend a child care facility in your area. Typically a shot record and doctor's release suffices.

5. Contact your local Head Start program. If your children fall within the age guidelines of the program and you meet the financial guidelines, they qualify for free daily preschool.

References

• Children's Defense Fund: Good Child Care Assistance Policies Help Low-Income Working Families Afford Quality Care and Help Children Succeed
• Women's Economic Security Campaign: Improving Access to Child Care for Low-Income Women
• MassResources.org: What Is Income-eligible Child Care?