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 Mississippi

7 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 Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services provide civil legal aid for low-income fathers.

7 Resources

1. Mississippi Head Start — Free

Federally funded Head Start programs providing free early childhood education, health screenings, and family support for income-eligible children ages 3-5 across Mississippi. Hours vary by local grantee. Fathers can call the national information line or use the site to find the nearest program. Applications typically require photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records. Enrollment opens seasonally at most sites.

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

2. Friends of Children – Jackson Head Start — Free

Head Start grantee offering free early childhood programs and family support for income-eligible children in the Jackson area. Office hours Mon-Fri, with program hours varying by center. Fathers can call for enrollment information and current openings. Applications typically require photo ID, child's birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of income, and immunization records. Staff can answer questions about transportation and meal service.

601-362-5322 · Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri varies

3. Gulf Coast Community Action – Head Start — Free

Community Action Agency operating free Head Start programs for income-eligible children on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Office in Gulfport, program hours vary by center. Fathers can call for enrollment information, waitlist details, and current openings. Applications typically require photo ID, child's birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of income, and immunization records. Staff can also explain available transportation and meal services.

228-863-1132 · Gulfport, MS 39501 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

4. Mississippi Pre-K Collaboratives — Free

State-funded pre-kindergarten program administered through the Mississippi Department of Education in partnership with local schools and community providers. Main office at 359 N West St in Jackson, open during school hours Mon-Fri. Fathers can use the site to identify collaborative partners in their school district and learn about the enrollment process. Applications typically require birth certificates, immunization records, and proof of residence.

601-359-3513 · 359 N West St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

5. YMCA of Mississippi – Child Care — Paid

YMCA-operated child care programs across Mississippi offering before/after school care, summer day camps, and early learning at select locations. Jackson office at 940 N State St, open Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm. Fathers can call for enrollment information, schedules, and financial assistance options. Applications typically require child's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of income for scholarship programs. Scholarships help offset fees.

601-948-3090 · 940 N State St, Jackson, MS 39202 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm

6. Northeast MS Community Action – Head Start — Free

Community Action Agency operating free Head Start programs for income-eligible children in northeast Mississippi. Office in Tupelo, program hours vary by center. Fathers can call for enrollment information, current openings, and waitlist details. Applications typically require photo ID, child's birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of income, and immunization records. Staff can explain available transportation, meals, and family support services.

662-842-7412 · Tupelo, MS 38801 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

7. Boys & Girls Clubs – Jackson After School — Paid

Boys & Girls Clubs affiliates offering affordable after-school and summer programs for youth in the Jackson area, with academic support, mentoring, and recreation. Program hours Mon-Fri after school. Fathers can call for enrollment information, fees, and financial assistance options. Applications typically require photo ID for the parent, the child's birth certificate, emergency contacts, and basic medical information, including allergies and medications.

601-948-0027 · Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri after school · 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.