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 Minnesota

9 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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

9 Resources

1. Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program — Free

The Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low-income families pay for licensed child care so parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training. Dads who qualify receive a subsidy paid directly to an approved provider of their choice, including family day care homes and centers. Apply through your county human services office; bring proof of income, employment or school enrollment, and child information. Eligibility is based on household size and income relative to state guidelines.

651-431-4000 · 444 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Child Care Aware of Minnesota — Free

Child Care Aware of Minnesota provides statewide referrals to quality licensed child care providers and information about financial assistance programs. Dads can call or go online to search for providers by location, age group, and hours needed. Staff also help families understand Child Care Assistance Program eligibility and navigate the application process. Services are free to families; contact your regional Child Care Aware office or visit the website to start your provider search and get help with next steps.

888-291-9811 · 10 Yorkton Ct, St. Paul, MN 55117 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Head Start – Minnesota — Free

Head Start in Minnesota provides free, federally funded early childhood education and comprehensive family services for income-eligible children from birth through age five. Programs include preschool classes, home visits, health screenings, dental care, nutrition support, and parent engagement activities. Dads are encouraged to participate actively in program activities and governance. Contact your local Head Start program to apply; eligibility is based on family income, and enrollment priority goes to the most at-risk children.

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

4. Hennepin County Child Care Assistance — Free

Hennepin County Child Care Assistance provides a child care subsidy for low-income working parents and those enrolled in job training or education programs in Hennepin County. Dads who qualify receive assistance paying for a licensed child care provider of their choice. Apply through Hennepin County Human Services; bring proof of income, work or school schedule, and your child's birth certificate. Eligibility is based on household income and size; contact the county office to check current wait times and requirements.

612-348-4111 · 525 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Way to Grow – Early Childhood — Free

Way to Grow in Minneapolis delivers home visiting and early childhood programs that help families with young children build strong foundations for school readiness and family stability. Trained staff visit families at home to provide parenting support, child development guidance, and connections to community resources. Dads of children from birth through age five are welcome participants. Contact Way to Grow to learn about eligibility, find out if services are available in your neighborhood, and schedule an initial home visit.

612-627-9730 · 1800 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. YMCA of the North – Child Care — Paid

YMCA of the North provides before and after school child care, full-day summer programs, and early learning centers at locations across Minnesota. Dads can enroll children in safe, enriching care that aligns with the school day and school year calendar. Financial assistance is available through the Y's scholarship program and the state Child Care Assistance Program. Contact your nearest YMCA of the North location for enrollment information, available slots, program schedules, and scholarship application details.

612-371-8700 · 1801 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

7. St. Louis County Child Care Assistance — Free

St. Louis County Child Care Assistance provides financial help paying for licensed child care for low-income families in the Duluth, Iron Range, and greater St. Louis County area. Eligible dads who work, attend school, or participate in job training can receive a subsidy toward the cost of an approved provider of their choice. Apply through St. Louis County Social Services; bring proof of income, employment or training schedule, and your child's birth certificate. Contact the office for current eligibility guidelines and wait times.

218-726-2101 · 320 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Early Childhood Family Education – Minnesota — Free

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers parent-child classes at school districts statewide for families with children from birth through kindergarten age. Programs include play-based learning, parent education sessions, and connections to community resources. Dads are actively encouraged to attend alongside moms and caregivers. Classes are offered during daytime, evening, and weekend hours at many districts. Contact your local school district to find nearby ECFE classes, check schedules, and learn about fees and financial assistance options.

651-582-8200 · Varies by district · Visit Website

9. Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery — Free

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery provides free, short-term emergency child care for families in crisis, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dads experiencing acute stress, a mental health crisis, housing emergency, or other urgent situations can bring children to the nursery without judgment. Trained staff care for children in a safe, nurturing environment while parents stabilize. No referral or income requirement needed. Call or walk in at any hour; the Crisis Nursery also connects families with longer-term community support services.

612-473-2858 · 1210 W 24th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405 · 24/7 · 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.