Help Paying for Child Care

Child care is one of the biggest expenses in a family's budget. Several programs may be able to help and our Resource Specialists can walk you through your options at no cost to you.

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For Child Care Providers

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877-678-2548

Help for Kansas Families

Kansas Child Care Assistance

State Child Care Assistance

Income-based assistance to help eligible families pay for licensed child care. Apply through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).

Learn more and apply

Kansas WIC Program

Nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Administered by the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE).

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KanCare (Medicaid)

Free or low-cost health coverage for children and families who qualify.

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Cash Assistance (TANF)

Successful Families Program (TANF): Temporary cash assistance for families with children who meet income requirements.

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Programs That Help Reduce Child Care Costs

Federal Programs

Several federal programs may also help with child care costs.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: A federal tax credit that helps working families offset child care costs. Available to families who paid for care for a child under 13 while working or looking for work. Learn more.
Head Start & Early Head Start: Free, federally funded early learning programs for income-eligible families. Head Start serves children ages 3–5 and Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 2. Both include health, nutrition, and family support services. Find a Head Start Program Near You.
Military & DoD Fee Assistance: Child Care Aware of America offers child care fee assistance to eligible military and DoD families. Eligibility is determined by branch of service. Learn more.

Help Paying for Child Care

Additional Resources

Depending on your situation, these programs may also help.

Home Energy Cost Assistance: Help with heating and cooling costs for eligible Kansas families. Learn More.

Housing Assistance for Homelessness: HUD resources for Kansas families experiencing homelessness. Learn more.

Kaw Nation Child Care Development: Child care assistance for eligible Kaw Nation members. Learn more.

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Planning for Child Care Costs

Budgeting for Child Care

Even with assistance, child care is a significant cost. Child Care Aware of America has put together practical tips for budgeting for child care, including how to think about care as part of your overall family budget.

Child Care Aware of America offers practical tips to help families budget for child care, including how to compare options, anticipate costs, and plan as part of a full family budget.

View Budgeting Tips

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Not Sure What You Qualify For?

Our Resource Specialists can walk you through what's available in your area and help you figure out where to start. It's a free call.

Talk to a real person. 877-678-2548

Help Paying for Child Care