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 Maine

11 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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

11 Resources

1. Maine Roads to Quality – Child Care — Free

Statewide child care resource and referral network helping Maine families locate licensed providers and learn about quality ratings. Fathers can call 888-900-0055 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for personalized referrals by town and age group. Staff explain child care subsidy options, Head Start eligibility, and what to look for when touring programs. Services are free to families and providers, with consultations offered in English and Spanish as available.

888-900-0055 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. Maine Head Start — Free

Free federally funded early childhood education, health, and family support program for income-eligible families with children birth to age 5. Fathers can call 866-763-6481 Mon-Fri or visit benefits.gov to locate the nearest local grantee. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, proof of income, and the child's immunization records to enroll. Programs include comprehensive health screenings, parent engagement, and school readiness activities.

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

3. Maine Public Pre-K — Free

State-funded pre-kindergarten programs offered through participating Maine public school districts, providing free early learning to eligible four-year-olds. Fathers can call the Maine Department of Education at 207-624-6600 Mon-Fri during school hours or check with their local district for enrollment. Bring birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records. Availability varies by district, and enrollment is typically handled through the local elementary school.

207-624-6600 · 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

4. Maine Quality Rating System — Free

State child care quality rating system helping families compare licensed providers on health, safety, staff credentials, and learning environment. Fathers can call 888-900-0055 or visit the system online any time to look up ratings before choosing a provider. Ratings are free to access and updated by state reviewers. The system complements child care subsidy eligibility decisions and lets parents prioritize programs that meet higher quality benchmarks.

888-900-0055 · 24/7 online

5. Aroostook County Action – Head Start — Free

Free Head Start early childhood education for income-eligible families in Aroostook County, operated by the county Community Action Program. Fathers can call 207-764-3721 Mon-Fri to enroll at the Main Street Presque Isle site or connected centers. Bring photo ID, birth certificate, proof of income, and the child's immunization records. Programs include health screenings, family case management, and school readiness curriculum at no cost to eligible families.

207-764-3721 · 771 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

6. Child Care Solutions – Portland — Free

Child care resource and referral service for southern Maine families, providing personalized provider lists, subsidy guidance, and parenting resources. Fathers can call 207-871-7449 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to speak with a specialist. Staff match families with licensed providers by town, schedule, age, and special needs. Services are free, and consultants explain state subsidy eligibility, sliding-scale options, and tips for evaluating the quality of a program during tours.

207-871-7449 · Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. YMCA of the Bangor Region – Child Care — Paid

Before- and after-school care plus summer day camps for families in the greater Bangor area, operated by the local YMCA. Fathers can call 207-941-2808 Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm or visit the 2nd Street branch to enroll. Bring photo ID, child's immunization records, and emergency contacts. Financial assistance is available for income-eligible families through the YMCA's scholarship program. Programs include academic support, recreation, and meals.

207-941-2808 · 17 2nd St, Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm

8. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine – After School — Free

Affordable after-school and summer programming for Portland-area youth including homework help, athletics, arts, and leadership development. Fathers can call 207-874-1070 Mon-Fri afternoons or visit the Cumberland Avenue site to enroll. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, emergency contacts, and immunization records. Many programs are free or very low cost, with scholarship support available. The club serves children primarily in grades 1-12.

207-874-1070 · 277 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

9. South Portland Early Learning Center — Paid

Early childhood education programs operated through South Portland Public Schools, offering preschool and pre-K for district families. Fathers can call 207-767-3266 Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm or visit spsd.org for enrollment steps. Bring birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, and any IEP or screening documents. Some programs are tuition-based and some are state-funded; staff explain eligibility and help connect families with subsidy programs.

207-767-3266 · South Portland, ME 04106 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Washington-Hancock Community Agency – Head Start — Free

Free Head Start early childhood education for income-eligible families in Hancock and Washington counties, administered by the local Community Action Program. Fathers can call 207-664-2424 Mon-Fri or visit the Bucksport Road site in Ellsworth to enroll. Bring photo ID, birth certificate, proof of income, and the child's immunization records. Programs include health screenings, family case management, and developmentally appropriate school readiness curriculum.

207-664-2424 · 248 Bucksport Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

11. Opportunity Alliance – Child Care — Free

Child care, Head Start, and family support services for Cumberland County families, operated by the local Community Action Program. Fathers can call 207-773-0202 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Lydia Lane site in South Portland. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, proof of income, and the child's immunization records to intake. Services include subsidized child care referrals, early education programs, and case management linking families to housing and benefits.

207-773-0202 · 50 Lydia Ln, South Portland, ME 04106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · 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.