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 Indiana

13 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 Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

13 Resources

1. Indiana Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) — Free

State-funded childcare voucher program for low-income working parents, parents in school, or parents in approved activities. Vouchers help pay for licensed or registered childcare while parents work or train. Dads can apply online at benefits.in.gov or at a local FSSA Division of Family Resources office. Bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, proof of employment/school, and proof of residency to intake.

1-800-299-1627 · Apply online at benefits.in.gov or at local FSSA office · Online 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Indiana Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) — Free

Statewide network helping Indiana parents find quality, licensed childcare providers and understand financial assistance options, including CCDF vouchers and Paths to QUALITY. Dads can call or search online for childcare by ZIP code, age group, hours needed, and quality rating. The referral service is free and confidential. Pair with a CCDF application through FSSA if you qualify for voucher assistance based on income and work status.

1-800-299-1627 · Statewide phone/online service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Head Start - Fort Wayne — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible Fort Wayne families with children ages 0-5, including comprehensive education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services. Dads can call the local Head Start office to apply. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, proof of residency, and immunization records to enrollment. Priority is given to families at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines and children with disabilities.

260-423-3546 · Multiple Fort Wayne locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

4. Head Start - Gary/Lake County — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible northwest Indiana families with children ages 0-5, offering comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and family support services at multiple Lake County locations. Dads can call to apply or find the nearest center. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, proof of residency, and immunization records to enrollment. Priority is given to low-income families and children with disabilities.

219-882-2326 · Multiple Lake County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

5. YMCA of Greater Indianapolis - Childcare — Paid

Provides before/after school care, preschool, and summer day camp programs at multiple Indianapolis-area locations, with financial assistance and scholarships available for qualifying families. Dads can call or visit the YMCA website to find programs near them. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of income (for financial aid) when enrolling. CCDF vouchers are accepted at participating YMCA sites.

317-266-9622 · Multiple Indianapolis locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

6. Paths to QUALITY (Indiana Quality Rating) — Free

Indiana's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for childcare providers, ranging from Level 1 (meeting health and safety) to Level 4 (nationally accredited). Helps parents find and compare quality-rated programs by location and level. Dads can search online by ZIP code. The rating is free to families and available for most licensed/registered Indiana childcare providers. Higher-rated programs may offer stronger early learning foundations.

Online resource — search by ZIP code · Online 24/7

7. Indiana Benefits Portal - Child Care — Free

Apply for Indiana's CCDF childcare voucher program online at benefits.in.gov. Check eligibility, upload documents, and manage benefits through the state portal. Dads can create an account, apply, and track their application status without visiting an FSSA office. Have photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (pay stubs or benefits letters), proof of employment/school, and proof of residency ready before starting.

1-800-403-0864 · Online resource · Online 24/7

8. Head Start - Evansville — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible Evansville families with children ages 0-5, including comprehensive education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services at multiple locations. Dads can call to apply or find the nearest center. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, proof of residency, and immunization records to enrollment. Priority is given to low-income families and children with disabilities.

812-426-3796 · Multiple Evansville locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

9. YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne - Childcare — Paid

Provides before/after school care, preschool, and day camp programs at multiple Fort Wayne-area locations, with a sliding-scale fee and financial assistance available for qualifying families. Dads can call or visit the YMCA website to find programs near them. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of income (for financial aid) when enrolling. CCDF vouchers are accepted at participating YMCA sites.

260-422-6488 · Multiple Fort Wayne locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

10. Early Learning Indiana — Free

Statewide nonprofit supporting quality early childhood education through training, advocacy, and resources for childcare providers and families across Indiana. Runs Day Early Learning Centers in Indianapolis and advocates for policies improving early childhood outcomes. Dads can use the Early Learning Indiana website to find providers, quality ratings, and research on early learning. Call the Kingsway Drive office for more information about programs.

317-636-1213 · 4755 Kingsway Dr, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Child Care Answers (Indianapolis) — Free

Indianapolis Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency helping parents find quality childcare, navigate financial assistance like CCDF, and understand Paths to QUALITY ratings. Dads can call or visit the website to search by ZIP code, age group, hours needed, and quality rating. The referral service is free and confidential. Staff can also help with CCDF voucher questions, Head Start referrals, and emergency childcare situations.

317-636-1213 · 4755 Kingsway Dr, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. 4C of Southern Indiana - Childcare Referral — Free

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service for southern Indiana helping parents find quality licensed care and access financial assistance, including CCDF vouchers. Dads in Vanderburgh and surrounding counties can call or visit the website to search by ZIP code, age group, hours needed, and quality rating. The referral service is free and confidential. Staff can also help with CCDF voucher questions and Head Start referrals.

812-423-4008 · 1650 Waterhen Dr, Evansville, IN 47710 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Indiana Child Care Tax Credit — Free

Indiana offers a state child care tax credit of 20% of the federal child and dependent care credit for qualifying families. Dads who paid for childcare so they could work or look for work may qualify. Claim on your Indiana state tax return (Schedule IN-CR or equivalent) at filing time. Keep childcare provider receipts and the provider's tax ID/EIN, which you'll report on the federal Form 2441 to pair with the state credit.

Claimed on state tax return · During tax season · 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.