The cost of childcare in America has become a major financial burden or many families around the nation. Many people cannot afford to put their child in childcare so that they can work, which leads them to also not be able to make money in order to survive. There are many people who need financial assistance with this ongoing challenge, and the they will need to turn to assistance programs to get childcare help.
Those looking for childcare help and help paying for daycare will need to cast a wide net. In other words, they need to be prepared to look at the federal, state, and local resources in order to find options that they can qualify for and that will help them make ends meet. There are programs at each level that provide childcare help, but people will need to reach out to each of them to see if they meet the qualifications and evaluate what is available in their area.
It’s a good idea to apply for multiple programs to see what you may be approved for. Most programs will require that you meet the low income guidelines and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. You will not have to pay back any type assistance that you receive. The programs are put in place to help people in need and are considered a grant, not a loan.
Programs Offering Childcare Help for Struggling Families
Head Start – This is a program that is funded by the federal government. The program will help families pay for childcare and preschool programs. The program is available around the country and is open to those who have a low income. This program helps many people be able to have childcare so that they can work. To get more information about the country’s Head Start program, click here.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – This government agency, where everyone pays their taxes to, offers a childcare tax credit to families who qualify. You may be able to receive a childcare tax credit if you paid someone else to watch your child so that you could work. To qualify, the child has to be under the age of 13, or be someone who is incapable of caring for themselves. The IRS will take the amount of money you spent on childcare expenses and provide a percentage back in the form of a childcare tax credit. To get more information about this, click here.
Pre-Kindergarten – Most states have what is referred to as a voluntary pre-kindergarten. It’s essentially a preschool or childcare program that is provided to kids the year before they would officially begin kindergarten. The programs are educational in nature, giving kids a chance to start learning things that will help them when they get to kindergarten the following year. These programs are typically state funded and run through the state government. You can find your state’s voluntary pre-kindergarten program and get the information on getting enrolled. This program is usually open to everyone in the state, regardless of one’s income. While the voluntary pre-kindergarten program is usually a half day, most of the centers offer an extended day program, which is a childcare option. You may have to pay a fee for the extended day program that is beyond what is being paid for by the state for voluntary pre-kindergarten. This helps families who may need to work and need care for their child all day. To get more information and find your state’s program, click here.
Military Childcare Assistance – Families where one of the parents are in the military may qualify for childcare assistance through military childcare programs. Those who have a low income may be able to get help paying for their childcare. The amount that you would pay for the childcare is based off a sliding scale fee, which is based on your family’s income. This helps make childcare more affordable for many people. To get more information about the program, click here.
211 – You can call this number to let them know you are struggling to pay for childcare expenses. They will use their database to help you find programs that may be able to help you. Their referral service is offered through the United Way, is free and open to everyone around the country. To get more information about the service, click here.
Additional Types of Childcare Assistance
Most people in the country agree that we need more federally funded childcare assistance. The programs that are in place are not meeting everyone’s needs, and people can’t work without having much-needed childcare assistance. Until the government fixes this issues, the best people can do is to take advantage of the programs they qualify for above, and to consider the additional types of childcare assistance options.
Scholarships – Contact childcare facilities and programs and let them know your family needs assistance paying for the care. Many places offer scholarship opportunities which will help to pay for the cost of childcare. They offer the scholarships as a result so donations and grants from the community and corporations that they have received. The childcare centers may also be able to tell you local resources to help with paying for your childcare expenses.
Discounts – Ask the childcare facilities if they offer any type of discounts that you may qualify for. Some offer a sibling discount and others may provide a range of other options that will lead to saving money on your monthly childcare expenses.
Work programs – Check with your employer to see if they offer any type of childcare help. Some employers to offer various programs that will help ease the burden of childcare for their employees. There are companies that offer onsite childcare, as well as those who will their employees pay for the cost of childcare. Until you inquire about it you won’t know what, if anything, is offered by your employer.
Churches – Check with your local churches to see if they offer any childcare help for struggling families. They may be able to help provide care, pay for it, or find your options that will help.
