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 Nebraska

4 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 Nebraska

Nebraska district courts hear family matters in each of its 93 counties, with many counties using county court for paternity and child support. The Child Support Enforcement division operates under DHHS. Omaha and Lincoln dominate the state's population. Legal Aid of Nebraska is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid provider statewide.

4 Resources

1. Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program — Free

State program that helps eligible working, training, or school-attending Nebraska families pay for licensed child care. Fathers can apply through DHHS by phone or online, with processing coordinated through the Centennial Mall South office in Lincoln weekdays. Bring photo ID, proof of income, work or school verification, and your children's birth certificates or Social Security cards. Eligibility depends on household income and the reason care is needed.

800-430-3244 · 301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Nebraska Head Start — Free

Federally-funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free early childhood education, health, and family support services for income-eligible Nebraska families with children from birth to age 5. Fathers can use the national locator line to find programs in their county and apply directly. Bring photo ID, the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records to enrollment. Program hours vary by site and classroom.

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

3. Nebraska Pre-K Grant Program — Free

State-funded pre-kindergarten grant program offered through Nebraska public school districts, providing high-quality preschool to eligible 3 and 4 year olds. The Nebraska Department of Education office on Centennial Mall South administers the program during school business hours. Fathers should contact their local school district enrollment office for application, eligibility rules, and classroom availability. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, and proof of residency.

402-471-2295 · 301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

4. Lincoln Head Start — Free

Free Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms for income-eligible Lincoln-area families with children from birth to age 5, providing early learning, nutrition, health screening, and family support services. Fathers can call during weekday business hours to request enrollment. Bring photo ID, the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records to your intake appointment. Program hours vary by classroom site across Lincoln.

402-441-6180 · Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri varies · 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.