- Funding to help start or improve a child care program
- Licensing regulations for starting and operating a child care center or home
- Receive funding to serve nutritious meals in your child care program
- Collaborating with your local Head Start program
- Finding other child care resources
Funding to Help Start or Improve a Child Care Program
Federal and state governments can help families pay for child care. The families you serve may be eligible for this assistance, and you may receive this funding for services you provide.
Your state lead child care agency responsible for subsidizing child care programs can tell you if funds are available to help you start a new child care program or expand your existing one, and how to apply. Locate the lead agency in your state.
There are many local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies that provide information about child care in local communities and about financial assistance and funding opportunities. CCR&Rs can also help you learn more about provider support organizations, training, marketing, business practices and more. You can find out about local CCR&Rs by contacting Child Care Aware (CCA), online or toll free at: 1-800-424-2246.
Receive Funding to Serve Nutritious Meals in your Child Care Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) can help subsidize meals and snacks for eligible children enrolled in child care programs.
Collaborating with your Local Head Start Program
Head Start provides child care services, often in collaboration with child care centers and in-home child care. For information on collaborating with your local Head Start program, contact the Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center or call toll-free: 1-866-763-6481.
Licensing Regulations for Starting and Operating a Child Care Center or Home
Most states have minimum licensing requirements for child care providers. These requirements typically vary for different types of providers. Contact your state's licensing agency to find out about the requirements in your state. Locate the licensing agency in your state or find additional information at the National Resource Center on Health and Safety in Child Care .