What is a childcare subsidy?

A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.

What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?

Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.

Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?

Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.

Where do I find quality care I can trust?

Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.

Childcare Assistance in Delaware

5 verified resources.

About Childcare Assistance for Fathers

Childcare assistance for US fathers includes the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-K programs, and sliding-scale nonprofit childcare. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services or a dedicated office) and help families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3. State pre-K is free or low-cost in most states and offered through public schools and partner providers. Many community action agencies run sliding-scale childcare for working parents. For single dads, CCDF subsidies and Head Start are the two most consistent free options. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, local Head Start programs, and resource and referral agencies.

Childcare Assistance in Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

5 Resources

1. Delaware Purchase of Care Program — Free

Childcare subsidy program helping low-income Delaware families afford quality childcare, administered through the Office of Child Care Licensing on Silverside Road in Wilmington. Fathers can apply during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs or benefits letters, work or school schedules, and children's birth certificates to the intake appointment.

(302) 892-5800 · 3411 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Delaware Stars for Early Success — Free

Delaware's quality rating and improvement system helping parents find high-quality licensed childcare providers statewide. Fathers can search the online provider directory to see star ratings, program details, and contact information before visiting prospective centers. Families using Purchase of Care subsidies often combine the two systems to match budget with quality. Phone assistance is available during weekday business hours.

(302) 892-5800 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware — After School — Paid

Affordable after-school programs with homework help, sports, arts, and enrichment for Delaware children at multiple club sites anchored by the main office on West 10th Street in Wilmington. Fathers can visit during weekday afternoon hours to tour a club and complete registration. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, emergency contact information, and any custody paperwork limiting pickup authority to the registration appointment.

(302) 658-1870 · 104 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 2:30pm-7:30pm · Visit Website

4. Delaware Infant & Toddler Program (Part C) — Free

Early intervention services for Delaware children under age three with developmental delays or disabilities, including home visits, therapy, and coaching for parents. Coordinated from the Silverside Road office in Wilmington. Fathers worried about a child's development can request a free evaluation by phone. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, insurance or Medicaid cards, and any prior medical or developmental records to intake.

(302) 255-9135 · 3411 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Easter Seals Delaware — Childcare — Paid

Inclusive childcare and early learning programs for children with and without disabilities from the New Castle campus on Corporate Circle. Programs include full-day care and specialized supports for children with developmental needs. Fathers can call during weekday business hours to tour and begin enrollment. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, insurance or Medicaid cards, and any therapy or IEP paperwork.

(302) 324-4444 · 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

Childcare Assistance — Common Questions

What is a childcare subsidy?: A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.
What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?: Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.
Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?: Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.
Where do I find quality care I can trust?: Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.