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 New Hampshire

5 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 New Hampshire

New Hampshire's Circuit Court Family Division handles all family matters statewide. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DHHS. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover are the largest cities. 603 Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong self-help website for pro se fathers.

5 Resources

1. NH Head Start — Free

NH Head Start provides free early-childhood education, health screenings, and family support for income-eligible families with children ages 3-5, plus Early Head Start for pregnant women and children under 3. Fathers can call 866-763-6481 to find the nearest grantee and start an application. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of household income, and the child's immunization records when enrolling. Programs run through community action agencies and school districts.

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

2. NH Connections – Quality Ratings — Free

NH Connections is the state's child care resource and referral agency, offering free searches of licensed providers with quality ratings, parent education, and help accessing child care scholarships. Fathers can call 855-393-1731 Monday through Friday or use the 24/7 online search to find programs that match their neighborhood, schedule, and budget. No application required to use the search. Have your ZIP code, schedule, and child's age and special needs ready to narrow the results quickly.

855-393-1731 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

3. Belknap-Merrimack CAP – Head Start — Free

Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program runs Head Start and Early Head Start providing free preschool and family support for income-eligible families in Belknap, Merrimack, and surrounding Lakes Region and central NH counties. Fathers can call 603-225-2880 Monday through Friday or visit the Industrial Park Drive Concord office to apply. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records. Transportation and meals are included with most classroom placements.

603-225-2880 · 2 Industrial Park Dr, Concord, NH 03301 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

4. Rochester Child Care Center — Paid

Rochester Child Care Center provides affordable licensed child care and preschool for Rochester-area families on a sliding-scale and scholarship basis. Fathers can call 603-332-2830 Monday through Friday 6:30am to 5:30pm or visit the Rochester location to tour and schedule intake. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of income when enrolling. NH Child Care Scholarship and private pay accepted; ask about open rooms.

603-332-2830 · Rochester, NH 03867 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm · Visit Website

5. Claremont Head Start — Free

Claremont Head Start provides free early-childhood programs for income-eligible Sullivan County families with children ages 3-5, plus Early Head Start services for younger kids and pregnant women. Fathers can visit headstart.gov or call 603-542-7744 Monday through Friday to start an application. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of household income, and immunization records when applying. Classroom placement includes meals, health screenings, and family advocacy at no cost.

603-542-7744 · Claremont, NH 03743 · 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.