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 North Dakota

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 North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

5 Resources

1. North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program — Free

State-administered childcare subsidy program helping low-income and working-poor North Dakota families afford licensed childcare including full-time, part-time, and evening care. Apply through your county human service zone office. Central office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2332. Services are free for eligible applicants. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, recent pay stubs, and the children's birth certificates.

(701) 328-2332 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley — After School — Paid

Affordable after-school and summer programs providing homework help, enrichment activities, and structured play for school-age children in the Fargo-Moorhead area, helpful for working fathers. The 9th Avenue S clubhouse is open Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm during the school year. Call (701) 232-7171 to enroll. Fees are low and scholarships are available. Bring photo ID, proof of address, and each child's birth certificate when registering.

(701) 232-7171 · 2500 9th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 · Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm · Visit Website

3. ND 211 Childcare Resources — Free

Free 24/7 helpline connecting North Dakota parents with licensed childcare providers, subsidy programs, and before- and after-school care through a statewide resource database. Dial 211 anytime from any phone. Specialists can text or email local referrals based on your ZIP code and children's ages. Useful for fathers searching evening or weekend care. Have your ZIP code, children's ages, and preferred hours ready when you call.

211 · Statewide service · 24/7

4. Bright Horizons — ND Corporate Childcare — Paid

National employer-sponsored childcare network offering full-time daycare, preschool, and backup care solutions for North Dakota working parents at partner employer sites and community centers. The call center is open Mon-Fri 6:30am-6:30pm at (800) 453-9383. Tuition applies; employer subsidies often reduce cost. Useful for fathers whose workplace participates. Bring photo ID, the children's immunization records, and enrollment paperwork at the first tour.

(800) 453-9383 · Multiple locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6:30pm · Visit Website

5. Zero to Three — North Dakota — Free

National nonprofit providing research-based resources, articles, and tools for parents of infants and toddlers on early learning, brain development, and healthy attachment relevant to North Dakota fathers. Visit zerotothree.org 24/7 for free guides, videos, and podcasts. No membership is required. Useful for first-time dads and fathers of children under three. Have your child's age in months and a specific question ready when you search.

National resource · 24/7 online · 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.