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 Illinois

15 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 Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

15 Resources

1. Illinois CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) — Free

State subsidy program helping low-income working families and students pay for child care through payments directly to licensed providers. CCAP covers costs at daycare centers, home-based providers, and after-school programs for children under age 13. Eligibility is based on income and work or school status. Fathers who are working or in school and need child care assistance can apply at getchildcareil.org or call 877-202-4453 to start the process.

877-202-4453 · Statewide · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Illinois Action for Children — Free

Statewide organization helping families find quality child care, apply for CCAP subsidies, and access early childhood education resources across Illinois. Illinois Action for Children provides child care referrals, advocates for affordable care policies, and assists families with CCAP applications. Fathers in Cook County can call the helpline or visit actforchildren.org to find licensed providers near their home or workplace and learn about financial assistance options.

312-823-1100 · 1340 S Damen Ave, Floor 3, Chicago, IL 60608 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm · Visit Website

3. Chicago Early Learning — Free

City program connecting families with free or low-cost preschool, Head Start, and early childhood programs across Chicago's neighborhoods. Chicago Early Learning partners with dozens of providers offering full and half-day programs for children ages 3 to 5. Eligibility is based on age and income. Fathers with preschool-age children in Chicago can call 312-229-1690 or visit chicagoearlylearning.org to find nearby programs and apply for enrollment.

312-229-1690 · 4655 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60609 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Head Start Chicago (Easterseals) — Free

Federally funded early childhood education program providing comprehensive services to children birth to age 5 from low-income families in Chicago. Head Start Chicago offers free preschool, health screenings, dental care, and family support services at multiple city locations. Fathers with children under 5 who meet income guidelines can call 331-264-4295 or visit headstartchicago.org to find a nearby enrollment site and learn about available spots.

331-264-4295 · 1 N Dearborn St, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. INCCRRA — Free

Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies — statewide network of 16 local agencies helping families find quality child care, navigate CCAP eligibility, and access early childhood resources. INCCRRA connects families to local child care resource and referral agencies in every region of Illinois. Fathers needing child care referrals or information about subsidies can call 800-649-1884 or use the INCCRRA website to find their local agency.

800-649-1884 · 1226 Towanda Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

6. Illinois CCAP Online Application — Free

Online application portal for Illinois Child Care Assistance Program letting families apply from any device with internet access. Available 24/7 at getchildcareil.org, the portal guides applicants through the CCAP process, allows document uploads, and provides application status tracking. Fathers who are working or enrolled in school can apply online without visiting a DHS office. Have income documentation, childcare provider information, and proof of employment or school enrollment ready.

800-325-5516 · Online portal · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Metropolitan Family Services - Early Learning & Head Start — Free

Chicago-based nonprofit operating Head Start and Early Head Start programs at multiple locations, serving children from 6 weeks through age 5 from income-eligible families. MFS Early Learning programs provide free preschool, infant and toddler care, health screenings, dental checkups, and family engagement services. Fathers can call 312-986-4000 or visit metrofamily.org to find a location near them and learn about eligibility and enrollment.

312-986-4000 · 1 N Dearborn St, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Illinois Department of Early Childhood — Free

State department coordinating early childhood programs for Illinois families including preschool, childcare, home visiting, and early intervention. IDEC oversees the Illinois Early Intervention Program for children with developmental delays, Preschool for All, CCAP, and home visiting programs statewide. Fathers who have concerns about their child's development or need help finding early childhood programs can call 833-234-6343 or visit idec.illinois.gov for guidance.

833-234-6343 · 100 W Randolph St, Suite 6-100, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care (DuPage) — Free

DuPage County child care resource and referral agency helping families find quality child care and apply for financial assistance in Naperville and throughout DuPage County. 4-C provides free referrals to licensed daycare centers, home-based providers, and preschools. Staff can assist with CCAP applications and explain childcare quality ratings. Fathers in DuPage County seeking affordable, licensed child care can call 630-790-5116 or visit 4-c.org for assistance.

630-790-5116 · 225 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Project CHILD (Rockford) — Free

Winnebago County Head Start and Early Head Start program providing comprehensive early childhood education for income-eligible families in Rockford and surrounding areas. Project CHILD offers free preschool, infant and toddler care, health screenings, and family support services. Fathers with children under 5 who meet income eligibility guidelines can call 815-394-5340 or visit the Rockford Public Schools website to find enrollment sites and apply.

815-394-5340 · 501 7th St, Rockford, IL 61104 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

11. SIU Head Start (Southern Illinois) — Free

Southern Illinois University-operated Head Start program providing free early childhood education across multiple southern Illinois counties. SIU Head Start serves families in Jackson, Union, Perry, and surrounding counties with preschool, Early Head Start for infants and toddlers, health screenings, and family support services. Fathers with young children in southern Illinois can call 618-453-6614 or visit headstart.siu.edu to apply for enrollment.

618-453-6614 · 1235 Douglas Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm · Visit Website

12. Champaign County Regional Planning Commission - Head Start — Free

Operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs providing comprehensive early childhood education for Champaign County families in Urbana and surrounding areas. Programs include free preschool for children ages 3-5, infant and toddler care, health and dental screenings, and family engagement services. Fathers with income-eligible children under 5 in Champaign County can call 217-531-7926 or visit ccrpc.org to learn about enrollment and availability.

217-531-7926 · 1776 E Washington St, Urbana, IL 61802 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm · Visit Website

13. Children's Home & Aid - Early Childhood — Free

Statewide nonprofit operating early childhood programs including home visiting, doula services, and Early Head Start at locations across Illinois. Children's Home & Aid serves families from infancy through the early school years with in-home nurse visits, parenting education, and center-based care. Fathers with newborns or young children can call 312-424-0200 or visit brightpoint.org to find the nearest service location and inquire about eligibility.

312-424-0200 · 200 W Monroe St, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Ounce of Prevention Fund — Free

Illinois early childhood advocacy organization investing in quality programs for at-risk children from birth to age five, operating model sites and policy advocacy statewide. The Ounce of Prevention Fund influences early childhood policy, trains early educators, and runs demonstration programs that serve as models for Illinois' public investment in young children. Fathers and providers interested in early childhood policy and quality programs can explore resources at theounce.org.

312-922-3863 · 33 W Monroe St, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60603 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Joliet Will County Head Start (MFS) — Free

Metropolitan Family Services Head Start program serving Will County families with free preschool, health screenings, and family support in Joliet and surrounding communities. MFS Head Start provides full-day preschool for children ages 3-5, Early Head Start for infants and toddlers, and comprehensive family services including health referrals and parent education. Fathers with young children in Will County can call 815-722-3262 to learn about enrollment eligibility.

815-722-3262 · 304 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm · Visit Website

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.