Access to high-quality child care and early education is critical for children's growth and family well-being. Yet for many families, the cost of care can feel overwhelming. What many parents don't realize is that there are a variety of financial assistance options available to help cover these costs.

The challenge? These programs can be confusing to find and navigate.

Help Navigating Child Care Assistance

KinderCare Learning Companies, one of the nation's leading providers of early childhood education and care, is working to ensure more families know about available tuition assistance and how to apply for it.

At KinderCare Learning Centers, Skyrise School by KinderCare, and Champions before- and after-school programs, families can connect with staff who are ready to explain financial aid options and guide them through the application process. These resources are offered wherever space is available across KinderCare's programs, making high-quality care more accessible for families who rely on financial assistance.

Why Families Miss Out

Many families who qualify for assistance never use it, often because they don't know it exists, or they feel overwhelmed by the application steps. That's where KinderCare can help.

"Every child deserves access to high-quality early learning and care, and KinderCare proudly accepts families who rely on state, local and federal child care assistance programs," said Dr. Marquita Davis, KinderCare's chief academic officer. "We understand there can be barriers to applying, and we're here to help families overcome them."

The Bottom Line

Child care costs don't have to stand in the way of quality early education. If you're exploring child care or already enrolled in a program, don't overlook the possibility of financial support. By connecting with KinderCare, you can get the guidance and resources you need to make high-quality child care a reality for your family.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about subsidies for early childhood education.

What are child care subsidies?

Subsidies are financial assistance programs provided by the state, local or federal government that help to cover the cost of child care for eligible families, making high-quality early education more affordable and accessible.

Who qualifies for child care subsidies?

While eligibility rules vary by location, most programs are designed to support families with low to moderate incomes. In many places, families with working parents or parents pursuing education or job training may qualify. Some programs also give priority to early childhood educators themselves, recognizing the importance of supporting the workforce that supports our kids.

"Even if you think you might not qualify, it's well worth applying," added Davis. Many families are surprised to find they're eligible.

What kinds of child care programs are covered?

Subsidies often support care for children from around 6 weeks old through age 12, including full-time and part-time child care and before- and after-school programs for school-age children.

How much can families save?

Depending on your income and the specific program your family is eligible for, subsidies can reduce your child care costs significantly — sometimes covering most or even all of your child's tuition.

How to get help applying

Navigating the child care subsidy system can feel overwhelming, but KinderCare's dedicated teams are available to work directly with families to navigate this often confusing process. They work with hundreds of state and local agencies to guide families through the application process step by step.

Hands-on help is available right in your center or program. Each KinderCare and Skyrise center has a dedicated leadership team to help families with the enrollment and funding processes. Whether your family is new to subsidies or transitioning from another provider, they are ready to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you've recently moved off of a child care waitlist or are looking to transition to a higher-quality provider, now is great time to enroll and apply for subsidies. Many centers have immediate availability such as through KinderCare Learning Centers, Skyrise School by KinderCare and Champions before- and after-school programs.

Child care subsidies don't just benefit families; they strengthen entire communities. When families can afford high-quality care, children gain access to early learning opportunities that prepare them for school and beyond. At the same time, parents are able to work or further their education, boosting economic stability. By reducing financial stress, subsidies also help families focus on what matters most: nurturing their children's growth.

Learn more about child care subsidy options that may be available for your family by asking your HR department about what might be included in your benefits package, and by searching for eligible centers or programs near you. You can also visit KinderCare.com, DiscoverChampions.com and SkyriseSchool.com or talk to a dedicated subsidy coordinator at one of their locations.