Child Care Subsidies

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Child Care Subsidies

Child care subsidy programs provide financial assistance to make care more affordable for families with low incomes. Subsidy programs aim to support parent participation in work and education and support the supply and enrollment of children in high-quality care—and subsequently improve child development. Both federal and state governments contribute funding, but states administer the programs.

Featured Resources

2024 Roadmap Profile: Child Care Subsidies

Child care subsidies increase access to needed services including the use of single, formal care arrangements, support maternal employment, and increase earnings.

Evidence Review: Child Care Subsidies

States have considerable flexibility in setting rules on program policies and administration (e.g., eligibility requirements, application procedures, family copayment levels, and provider policies), resulting in substantial state variation in subsidy policy.

State Policy Lever Checklist: Child Care Subsidies

This checklist covers the following policy levers states may consider to increase access and affordability of child care subsidies: eligibility requirement, provider reimbursement, family contribution, and funding.

Related Resources

A Tale of Two States: The Impact of State Policy Choices on Family Resources

Since the release of our 2020 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, every state has increased their investment in at least one effective Roadmap policy, but the choices they have made vary considerably. The distinct choices that

Securing the Future: Examining Dedicated Sources of Funding for Child Care Subsidy Programs

Access to high-quality child care is essential for a family’s active workforce participation and children’s healthy development. Child care is not just a service—it is crucial infrastructure that supports economic stability and growth both for

State policy progress on child care subsidies in 2024

Child care subsidies provide essential financial support to make child care more affordable, assisting families as they navigate the challenges of balancing work, education, and training. Child care subsidies are one of 12 evidence-based policies

2024 Prenatal-to-3 Legislative Highlights

With most legislatures adjourned for the year, we recap the 2024 action on state policies to support children and families. So far this year, lawmakers throughout the country debated—and many passed—legislation that aligns with four key components of the prenatal-to-3 system of care.

June Update: Prenatal-to-3 State Legislative Trends

Though most legislative sessions have adjourned, lawmakers and advocates across the country continue to advance efforts to support children and families. A lot can happen at the tail end of a legislative session, as Colorado

May Update: Prenatal-to-3 State Legislative Trends

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