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 Kansas

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 Kansas

Kansas district courts handle family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts. The Child Support Services division operates under the Department for Children and Families. Wichita, Kansas City KS, Overland Park, and Topeka are the largest cities. Kansas Legal Services provides statewide civil legal aid, with fathers' rights and family law among the top case types.

13 Resources

1. Kansas Child Care Subsidy Program — Free

The Kansas Child Care Subsidy Program, administered through DCF, helps income-eligible working families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in training. Fathers can apply online, by mail, or in person at a DCF office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, pay stubs, child care provider information, and proof of work or school activity. The Topeka office on S Kansas Ave is open weekdays and can direct applicants to local caseworkers.

888-369-4777 · 555 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Child Care Resource & Referral – Kansas — Free

Child Care Aware of Kansas is the statewide Child Care Resource and Referral agency helping families find quality child care, understand subsidy options, and connect with local providers. Fathers can call weekdays or use the online search to find licensed providers by county, age group, and schedule. Specialists provide free consultations on choosing care, subsidy eligibility, and navigating the Kansas system. Service is free and available to all families.

877-678-2548 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Kansas Head Start — Free

Head Start provides free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible families with children ages 3-5 across Kansas. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under 3. Fathers can find a local program through the national locator and contact the grantee for enrollment. Bring photo ID, proof of income, birth certificate, and immunization records. Programs run school-year or year-round schedules.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

4. Kansas Pre-K Program — Free

The Kansas State Pre-Kindergarten Program, administered through the Kansas State Department of Education, provides free state-funded preschool for eligible 4-year-olds at risk of academic difficulty, delivered through public school districts and community partners. Fathers can contact their local school district or the Topeka KSDE office on SW Jackson St for enrollment info. Bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Programs run on the public school calendar.

785-296-3201 · 900 SW Jackson St, Topeka, KS 66612 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

5. CAA of Wyandotte County – Head Start — Free

Community Action Agency of Wyandotte County operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs providing free early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible families in Kansas City, KS. Fathers can apply at the N 5th St office weekdays. Bring photo ID, proof of income, birth certificate, and immunization records. Programs include center-based classrooms, home-based visits, and comprehensive services connecting families to Wyandotte County resources.

913-371-1772 · 803 N 5th St, Kansas City, KS 66101 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

6. Sedgwick County Head Start – Wichita — Free

Sedgwick County operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs providing free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible families in the Wichita metro area. Fathers can apply through the Sedgwick County office in Wichita. Bring photo ID, proof of income, birth certificate, and immunization records. Programs include center-based classrooms and family partnerships connecting parents with employment and housing resources.

316-660-7540 · Wichita, KS 67202 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

7. Lawrence Head Start — Free

Head Start programs in the Lawrence area provide free preschool, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible families with children ages 3-5 in Douglas County, with Early Head Start for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Fathers can apply through the local grantee. Bring photo ID, proof of income, birth certificate, and immunization records. Programs include center-based and home-based options plus comprehensive family wraparound services.

785-842-9679 · Lawrence, KS 66044 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

8. Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 – Early Childhood — Free

Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 operates early childhood programs including Pre-K, special education preschool, and family outreach for children in the Manhattan area. Many programs are free for income-eligible families or students with identified developmental needs. Fathers can contact the district office for enrollment info and required screenings. Bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Programs run on the public school calendar with district supports.

785-587-2000 · Manhattan, KS 66502 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

9. Topeka USD 501 – Early Childhood — Free

Topeka Public Schools USD 501 offers Pre-K, Head Start, and early childhood special education programs at schools across Shawnee County, many free for income-eligible families or children with identified developmental needs. Fathers can contact the early childhood office at SW 24th St for enrollment and screening info. Bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Programs run on the public school calendar with district supports.

785-295-3000 · 624 SW 24th St, Topeka, KS 66611 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

10. Salina USD 305 – Early Childhood — Free

Salina Public Schools USD 305 operates early childhood programs including Pre-K, special education preschool, and family outreach for children in the Salina area, many free for income-eligible families or children with identified developmental needs. Fathers can contact the district for enrollment and screening info. Bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Programs run on the public school calendar with district supports.

785-309-4700 · Salina, KS 67401 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

11. Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita – After School — Free

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas offers after-school and summer programs for school-age children from its Wichita clubs, including the E Kellogg location, providing homework help, enrichment, sports, and healthy snacks. Fathers can enroll online or at the club. Bring photo ID, school info, and emergency contacts. Programs offer low-cost or free membership for income-eligible families. Clubs are open after school and full days during school breaks.

316-267-1272 · 3405 E Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67211 · Mon-Fri after school

12. Hutchinson USD 308 – Early Childhood — Free

Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308 offers early childhood programs including Pre-K, Head Start partnerships, and special education preschool for children in the Hutchinson area, many free for income-eligible families or children with identified developmental needs. Fathers can contact the district for enrollment and screening info. Bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Programs run on the public school calendar with district supports.

620-615-4000 · Hutchinson, KS 67501 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

13. Garden City USD 457 – Early Childhood — Free

Garden City Public Schools USD 457 operates Pre-K and early childhood programs in Garden City, serving a diverse community including many multilingual families, with bilingual support and family outreach. Many programs are free for income-eligible families or children with identified developmental needs. Fathers can contact the district for enrollment and screening info. Bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Programs run on the public school calendar.

620-805-7100 · Garden City, KS 67846 · Mon-Fri school hours · 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.