Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia
Child Care and Family Support Resources
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential for families balancing work, school and daily responsibilities. Federal and state programs offer financial assistance such as vouchers, certificates and subsidies to help eligible families cover child care costs, while Head Start, Early Head Start and state-funded prekindergarten programs support early learning, development and school readiness for young children. In addition to these programs, local nonprofits and child care providers may offer scholarships, sibling discounts or military discounts to help reduce expenses. Exploring these options can help families find safe and supportive care that meets their needs and budget.
Child Care Financial Assistance (also called vouchers, certificates, or subsidies)
States and territories receive funding from the federal government to provide child care financial assistance to help low-income families pay for child care so they can work or attend school. Eligibility requirements are different in each state.
Website: https://www.childcare.gov/state-resources
Once you go to the website, select your state or territory to find resources.
Head Start, Early Head Start and State-Funded Pre-Kindergarten
Head Start and Early Head Start programs help prepare children from birth to age 5 for school and provide services to support children’s early learning and development, mental well-being, and physical health. State-funded prekindergarten programs serve children between 3 and 5 years of age and focus on helping children get ready for kindergarten. Some states offer these programs to eligible families at low or no cost.
Website: https://www.childcare.gov/state-resources
Once you go to the website, select your state or territory to find resources.
Additional tips for finding child care assistance:
- Local assistance and scholarships: Local nonprofit organizations and individual child care providers may offer fee assistance or scholarships. Ask the providers that you are considering if they offer any child care assistance or scholarships.
- Sibling discount: Some child care programs offer a discount to families that enroll siblings. They may take a percentage or a specific dollar amount off of a child’s weekly or monthly fee. They may also waive the registration fee or other fees. If you need care for more than one child, ask providers whether they offer sibling discounts.
- Military discount: Some civilian child care providers (not associated with military child care) offer discounts for military service members. Ask potential providers if they offer a military discount.