Metropolitan Family Services - Early Learning & Head Start

Childcare Assistance · Illinois · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 1 N Dearborn St, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: 312-986-4000

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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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.

More Childcare Assistance in Illinois

  • Illinois CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) — State subsidy program helping low-income working families and students pay for child care through payments directly to licensed providers. C
  • Illinois Action for Children — Statewide organization helping families find quality child care, apply for CCAP subsidies, and access early childhood education resources ac
  • Chicago Early Learning — City program connecting families with free or low-cost preschool, Head Start, and early childhood programs across Chicago's neighborhoods. C
  • Head Start Chicago (Easterseals) — Federally funded early childhood education program providing comprehensive services to children birth to age 5 from low-income families in C
  • INCCRRA — Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies — statewide network of 16 local agencies helping families find quality child c
  • Illinois CCAP Online Application — Online application portal for Illinois Child Care Assistance Program letting families apply from any device with internet access. Available

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.