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 Kansas Department for Children and Families (formerly 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. 

Child Care Subsidy funds are available through Electronic Benefit Transfer for those who qualify through Kansas Department for Children and Families. 

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