Help paying for child care

Quality child care should be within reach for every family. Options for Learning helps eligible families access financial assistance that can lower the cost of care and make it easier to work, attend school, or pursue family goals. Our team is here to guide you through your options, explain eligibility, and help you take the next step with confidence.

Center-based programs

Options for Learning's center-based programs offer free and low-cost care for families in our service areas. Some programs have a limited number of fee-based and full-cost spaces. To learn more about eligibility requirements for our center-based programs, please contact our education advisors.

Resource and Referral Program

Options for Learning's Resource and Referral Program assists families free of charge, regardless of income, in locating licensed child care and determining whether financial assistance is available.

Voucher Program

Options for Learning's Voucher Program offers income-eligible families assistance with child care payments made to the child care provider of their choice for children ages 0-12 (up to age 21 for exceptional needs children). For more information, please refer to Types of Child Care for information on parental choice options.

To qualify for free or low-cost child care, families must meet income eligibility requirements (some exceptions may apply) and demonstrate a need for services, such as a parent who is working, seeking employment, attending school/training, seeking permanent housing, or having a medical incapacity referral from a qualified professional.