Child Care Assistance Program
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in the Child Care Assistance Program.
Overview
Child Care Assistance is a program that is available for low-income families. This program provides financial assistance for quality child care and is made possible by the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). This program is under the administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the State of Arkansas, the Department of Human Services and the Office of Early Childhood are responsible for managing the Child Care Assistance Program.
Quick Links
- Am I eligible for Child Care Assistance?
- What are the income guidelines?
- How do I apply for child care assistance?
- What is the application process?
- How is child care provided for my children?
Am I eligible for child care assistance?
Families must meet the following criteria:
- Meet the established income guidelines
- Each adult residing in the household must be employed at least 30 hour per week, or be enrolled and attending high school, college, GED classes, vocational school or a training program as a full time student. A combination of school and work is acceptable if the individual is involved at a minimum of 30 hours.
- Have an eligible child. Our program serves children from birth through 12 years of age.
What are the income guidelines?
Open the 2021 CCDF Sliding Fee Chart document below and find the size of your family and then locate the column in which your family’s Gross Monthly Income falls. (All income from all family members must be included in the monthly total. This includes earned income, SSA, SSI, VA, etc.) If your monthly income falls into one of the columns listed on the chart, your family may qualify for child care assistance. Families may be required to pay a percentage of the cost for child care.
How do I apply for child care assistance?
You may print and complete the Child Care Assistance Application below, request an application by contacting the local Program Eligibility Specialist or you may contact the Office of Early Childhood at 1-800-322-8176 and an application will be mailed to you.
After an application is completed, it may be emailed to familysupport@dhs.arkansas.gov, returned to your local DHS office, or mailed to the address below
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S145
Little Rock, AR 72203
What is the application process?
The Child Care Assistance Program is based on the availability of funds. If funds are available at the time your application is received, you will be contacted by the local Program Eligibility Specialist. They will verify your eligibility for child care assistance.
If funds are not available at the time your application was received, the local Program Eligibility Specialist will send a notification to you which explains you have been placed on a waiting list for the county of your residence. Your application will only be effective for twelve (12) months as stated on your application. If you still require assistance at the end of the twelve (12) months, then you must submit a new application to remain on the waiting list.
How is child care provided for my children?
Once a family is determined eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, they must select a child care provider that is licensed or registered by the Office of Early Childhood. The provider must be an active participant in the Child Care Assistance Program.
Families may contact the Program Eligibility Specialist to request a list of child care providers that participate in the Child Care Assistance Program or call 1-800-322-8176. Families may also use the Search for Child Care located here.
