15 verified resources.
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.
New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.
NYC families apply for subsidized childcare through ACS via MyCity portal. Covers children ages 6 weeks through 12 years for income-qualifying families. Over 300 child care centers funded directly by ACS. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/site/acs/early-care to apply. Bring proof of income, employment, and child's birth certificate. Subsidized care includes center-based, family, and group family daycare options.
311 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Statewide child care subsidy program for low-income families earning under 85% of the State Median Income. Apply through your county's local social services district. Call (800) 345-5437 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm or visit ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ccap. Bring proof of income, employment or school enrollment, and child's birth certificate. Subsidy covers licensed center-based and home daycare providers.
(800) 345-5437 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Online application portal for NY State Child Care Assistance Program subsidies. Statewide counties outside NYC use this portal — NYC residents must apply through MyCity instead. Access the application at hs.ocfs.ny.gov/childcareassistance. Available 24/7. Bring income documentation and proof of employment or school enrollment before starting. Contact your county social services office with questions about eligibility.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
NYC offers free, full-day pre-kindergarten for all 3- and 4-year-olds in the city regardless of family income. Apply through MySchools at schools.nyc.gov. Thousands of seats available at public schools and community-based organizations. Call (718) 935-5100 for enrollment help. Applications accepted annually. Programs run during school hours with certified teachers. Free meals and transportation may be available.
(718) 935-5100 · School hours · Visit Website
New York State's quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs. Use the provider search tool at qualitystarsny.org to find highly-rated childcare centers, family daycares, and Head Start programs in your area. All quality ratings and inspection reports are free to view. Located at 16 Court Street, 31st Floor, Brooklyn. Call (718) 254-7727 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm with questions.
(718) 254-7727 · 16 Court Street, 31st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11241 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Search licensed daycare centers, family daycare homes, and school-age programs across New York State to verify licensing status and view inspection reports. Free to use at ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare. Call (800) 345-5437 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm with questions. Use this tool before enrolling your child to confirm a provider is currently licensed and review any compliance history or inspection violations.
(800) 345-5437 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members in New York may qualify for subsidized childcare through the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood program. Find civilian participating providers near your home or installation. Call (800) 424-2246 Mon–Fri 8am–8pm or visit childcareaware.org/military-families. Fee assistance reduces the cost of community childcare for qualifying service members with young children.
(800) 424-2246 · Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Visit Website
Westchester County's childcare resource and referral agency. Provides free childcare provider search assistance, subsidy eligibility screening, and family support services. Located at 313 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale. Call (914) 761-3456 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Staff can help you navigate the CCAP subsidy application and find licensed providers in your area. Website lists available openings at local childcare centers.
(914) 761-3456 · 313 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 10583 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Nassau County's childcare resource and referral agency providing free childcare provider search assistance, subsidy eligibility information, and parent education workshops. Located at 925 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square. Call (516) 358-9288 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm or visit childcarenassau.org. Staff help families navigate CCAP subsidy applications and find licensed center-based and home daycare providers in Nassau County.
(516) 358-9288 · 925 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square, NY 11010 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Suffolk County's childcare resource and referral agency providing free childcare provider referrals, subsidy eligibility screening, and provider licensing information. Located at 60 Calvert Ave., Commack. Call (631) 462-0303 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm or visit childcaresuffolk.org. Staff assist Suffolk County families with CCAP subsidy applications and connecting to licensed center-based or home daycare providers.
(631) 462-0303 · 60 Calvert Ave., Commack, NY 11725 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Resource and referral agency for Erie County and Buffalo-area families. Provides free childcare provider search, CCAP subsidy application assistance, and quality rating information. Located at 1000 Maryvale Dr., Cheektowaga. Call (716) 877-6666 Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm or visit earlychild.org. Staff help connect families with licensed center-based, family, and school-age childcare in Erie County.
(716) 877-6666 · 1000 Maryvale Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm · Visit Website
Childcare resource and referral agency for Monroe County and the Rochester area. Provides free childcare provider search, CCAP subsidy application assistance, and quality information for families. Located at 595 Blossom Rd., Rochester. Call (585) 473-2858 Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm or visit childcaresolutionscny.org. Staff help families find licensed center-based and home daycare options in the region.
(585) 473-2858 · 595 Blossom Rd., Rochester, NY 14610 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm · Visit Website
Free full-day pre-kindergarten program for NYC 3-year-olds offered at public schools and community-based organizations across all five boroughs. Apply through the MySchools portal at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/3k. Call (718) 935-5100 for help with the application. Programs run during school hours. All children are eligible regardless of family income. Seats fill up during annual enrollment period.
(718) 935-5100 · School hours · Visit Website
Before and after school care, summer camps, and early learning programs at 25+ YMCA locations across NYC. Financial assistance available for low-income families through scholarship programs. Call (212) 630-9600 or visit ymcanyc.org to find your nearest branch. Programs serve children from preschool through teen years. Licensed childcare with trained staff. Accepts CCAP subsidy for eligible families.
(212) 630-9600 · Multiple NYC locations · Before/after school; full day summer · Visit Website
Back-up care and full-time childcare at employer-sponsored Bright Horizons centers across New York State. Check if your employer has a Bright Horizons partnership at brighthorizons.com. Call (866) 854-2273 for enrollment information. Programs serve infants through school-age children. Hours and services vary by center. Employer sponsorship can significantly reduce or eliminate childcare costs for eligible employees.
(866) 854-2273 · Multiple NY employer sites · Varies by center · Visit Website