Child Care Financial Assistance
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Do you need help paying for child care?
Many Indiana families are eligible for financial help to pay for child care programs. Below are some child care programs to explore with varying eligibility requirements. Some providers also offer sliding scale fees based on income. Be sure to ask if this is an option for you as you begin your child care search.
Brighter Futures
Brighter Futures Indiana has more information on how to pay for and locate available child care in Indiana. Families who need help finding or paying for care can contact Brighter Futures Indiana staff at 1-800-299-1627 and a referral specialist can support them in their search.
Brighter Futures Indiana is a partnership with the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning and Early Learning Indiana.
On My Way Pre-K is Indiana’s first state-funded prekindergarten program for low-income children. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
CCDF
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program that helps low-income families obtain child care so that they may work, attend training or continue their education. The purpose of CCDF is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care.
The CCDF program is administered through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration in the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. Families can now apply for CCDF using a new, easier-to-use online application called “Early Ed Connect.”
Questions about CCDF can be submitted online at www.childrensbureau.org/contact-ccdf/. If you would like to speak with an eligibility specialist, contact the Children’s Bureau at 317-634-5050.
Need help finding a CCDF child care program? Contact CASY Child Care Resource and Referral at 800-886-3952 (Choose option 1) or contact Brighter Futures Indiana at 800-299-1627.
Head Start
Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children under five from low-income families. Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in many areas such as language, literacy and social and emotional development. Early Head Start programs serve infants, toddlers and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.
In Monroe County, Head Start is coordinated by the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP). To learn more about the program and view eligibility requirements, view the SCCAP Head Start web page or call (812) 339-3447.
Title I Pre-K
Title I preschool programs in the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) are free of charge and currently offer a virtual pre-K experience. Check with MCCSC on eligibility. Title I preschools follow the MCCSC school hours and calendar.
Children must be also:
- Be four years old by August 1st
- Demonstrate academic need
Home visits with the Preschool Family Literacy Liaison are required. For more information, call (812) 330-7830.