Head Start – Louisiana

Childcare Assistance · Louisiana · Free

Federally funded free early childhood education program for income-eligible fathers and families with children ages 0-5, offered across Louisiana through community and school-based grantees. Provides education, health, nutrition, and family support. Call 866-763-6481 or visit benefits.gov/benefit/1935 to find local programs. Bring photo ID, child birth certificates, income documentation, and immunization records for enrollment. Useful comprehensive early education program.

Contact & Details

Phone: 866-763-6481

Hours: Mon-Fri varies

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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 Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

More Childcare Assistance in Louisiana

  • Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program — State program helping eligible working, job-searching, or in-school fathers and families pay for licensed child care. Administered by DCFS/L
  • Louisiana Child Care Resource & Referral — Statewide resource and referral service helping fathers and families find quality licensed child care providers in their parish. Specialists
  • Agenda for Children – New Orleans — Early childhood advocacy organization and quality child care coordinator in the New Orleans area. Supports fathers in finding quality progra
  • Baton Rouge Early Head Start — Free federally funded early childhood education and family support for income-eligible families with children ages 0-3 in the Baton Rouge ar
  • Caddo Parish Head Start — Free federally funded early childhood education for income-eligible families with children ages 3-5 in the Shreveport area and Caddo Parish.
  • Ouachita Parish Head Start — Free preschool and early childhood education programs for income-eligible families with children ages 3-5 in the Monroe area and Ouachita Pa

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.