Child Care costs can vary widely depending on the location, size of the facility, the age of the child and other factors. Financial assistance is available to families that might not otherwise be able to afford high-quality child care. Please look at the options below to learn more about financial assistance programs.

You may be entitled to an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Information is available at www.irs.gov or by calling IRS toll free at 1-800-829-1040.You can also ask your tax preparer to see if you qualify.

Most states have funding to help income-eligible families pay for child care. To find out if you are eligible to receive state subsidy to assist you in paying for child care costs, contact Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services (SRS) office in Kansas or in Missouri your local Department of Social Services office for specific eligibility requirements in your area.

Other options may include:
Sliding-scale fees and multiple child discounts: some child care programs offer adjustable rates dependent upon the income of the family and/or the number of children enrolled at the child care facility. Check with the child care facility to see what is available.

Scholarships: some child care programs receive local funding from community partners to help off-set the cost of child care to qualifying families. Check with the child care facility to see if scholarships are available. 

Department of Social Services Family Support Offices Bates 660-779-3174 Cass 816-380-3597 Clay 816-781-8900 Lafayette 660-259-2294 Jackson 816-889-2000 Platte 816-858-3740 Ray 816-776-6964 Saline 660-886-5562

Social & Rehabilitation Services Atchison 913-367-5345 Johnson 913-826-7300 Leavenworth 913-651-6200 Linn 620-223-4010 Miami 913-755-2162 Wyandotte 913-279-7000

Child Care Subsidy funds are available through Electronic Benefit Transfer for those who qualify through SRS. 

You may also qualify for Head Start. This is a Federal program available for children from low-income families. To learn about applying, click here .

Average Cost of Care by County