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 Oregon

14 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 Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

14 Resources

1. Oregon Child Care Assistance – ERDC — Free

Oregon's Employment Related Day Care program provides subsidized child care payments directly to approved providers for eligible working families, helping cover the cost of licensed care so parents can stay employed or in school. Call 800-723-3638 during weekday business hours or apply online at oregon.gov to check eligibility. Applications are free. Bring photo ID, proof of income, work or school schedule documentation, and the name of your chosen licensed child care provider.

800-723-3638 · 500 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Child Care Resource & Referral Network of Oregon — Free

Child Care Resource and Referral Network of Oregon operates a parent helpline and online search tools to help families across the state find licensed, quality child care providers matching their schedule, location, and budget. Call 800-342-6712 during weekday business hours or visit oregonccrr.org to search for providers. The referral service is free. Have your zip code, children's ages, and preferred hours or schedule ready so staff can identify the most suitable care options in your area.

800-342-6712 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Oregon Head Start — Free

Oregon Head Start programs provide free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible children ages 3-5 and their families through local grantees across all 36 counties. Call 866-763-6481 during weekday business hours to find a program near you. Enrollment is free for qualifying families. Bring proof of income, child's birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, and any medical documentation at enrollment to confirm eligibility.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies

4. Multnomah County Preschool For All — Free

Multnomah County Preschool For All provides free, high-quality preschool for all children ages 3 and 4 living in Multnomah County, regardless of family income, through a network of community-based providers and public school programs. Call 503-988-3688 during weekday business hours or visit multco.us/preschool to find a program and enroll. Enrollment is free. Bring child's birth certificate and proof of Multnomah County residency; programs offer both full-day and part-day options.

503-988-3688 · 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

5. Neighborhood House – Child Care — Paid

Neighborhood House in southwest Portland provides quality licensed child care and early learning programs for children from infancy through school age, with a focus on serving low-income families in the area. Call 503-246-1663 during weekday business hours or visit nhpdx.org for current program availability and enrollment. Fees apply but subsidies and ERDC child care assistance are accepted. Bring proof of income and child's immunization records when inquiring about enrollment and available slots.

503-246-1663 · 7780 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

6. ChildCare Aware of Oregon — Free

ChildCare Aware of Oregon operates a free statewide parent helpline and online resources to help families find licensed quality child care and learn about financial assistance programs, including state subsidy eligibility. Call 800-342-6712 during weekday business hours or visit childcareaware.org for provider search tools. The service is free for families. Have your zip code, children's ages, and preferred care schedule ready; staff will help match you with available licensed providers in your area.

800-342-6712 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Salem-Keizer Head Start — Free

Salem-Keizer Head Start provides free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition services, and family support for income-eligible children ages 3-5 and their families in Marion and Polk Counties. Call 503-581-1152 during weekday business hours to inquire about open enrollment and available sites. Enrollment is free for qualifying families. Bring proof of income, child's birth certificate, proof of Salem-Keizer area residency, immunization records, and any relevant medical documentation.

503-581-1152 · 615 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri school hours

8. Lane County Head Start — Free

Lane County Head Start provides free preschool, early learning, health screenings, and family support services for income-eligible children ages 3-5 and their families in the Eugene-Springfield area and greater Lane County. Call 541-747-2816 during weekday business hours or visit lanekids.org for enrollment information. Enrollment is free. Bring proof of income, child's birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records to your enrollment appointment to confirm eligibility and secure a spot.

541-747-2816 · 221 B St, Springfield, OR 97477 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

9. Southern Oregon Head Start – ACCESS — Free

Southern Oregon Head Start, operated by ACCESS, provides free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition services, and family support for income-eligible children ages 3-5 and their families in Jackson County. Call 541-779-6691 during weekday business hours or visit accesshelps.org for enrollment details. Enrollment is free for qualifying families. Bring proof of income, child's birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records to confirm eligibility at your enrollment appointment.

541-779-6691 · 3630 Aviation Way, Medford, OR 97504 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

10. Oregon Department of Early Learning & Care — Free

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is the state agency that oversees child care provider licensing, quality rating systems, early learning hubs, and subsidy programs across Oregon. Call 503-947-1400 during weekday business hours or visit oregon.gov/delc for information on finding licensed care, understanding subsidy eligibility, and accessing early learning resources. The agency does not provide direct child care but can connect families with the appropriate local programs and services.

503-947-1400 · 700 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Family Building Blocks – Salem — Free

Family Building Blocks in Salem provides therapeutic early childhood services, parenting support, and home visiting programs for at-risk families with young children in Marion County. Call 503-566-2132 during weekday business hours or visit familybuildingblocks.org for program details and referral information. Services are free for qualifying families. Referrals come through DHS, medical providers, and self-referral; staff assess family needs and connect parents with therapeutic play, skill-building, and crisis support resources.

503-566-2132 · 2425 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. KinderCare Learning Centers – Oregon — Paid

KinderCare Learning Centers operates multiple licensed early learning and child care locations across the Portland metro area and statewide, offering full-day and part-day programs from infant care through school-age. Call 800-633-1488 or visit kindercare.com to find a nearby center and check availability. Tuition fees apply; Oregon ERDC child care subsidies are accepted at participating locations. Bring child's immunization records and emergency contact information when touring or enrolling.

800-633-1488 · Multiple Oregon locations · Mon-Fri 6am-6:30pm · Visit Website

13. Boys & Girls Clubs of Salem – Child Care — Paid

Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem provides licensed after-school care and summer programs for school-age children, offering homework help, enrichment activities, and a safe environment during out-of-school hours. Call 503-370-9924 during weekday business hours to check availability and registration. Fees apply but financial assistance and Oregon ERDC child care subsidies may be available. Bring child's school schedule, emergency contacts, and immunization records when registering for after-school or summer sessions.

503-370-9924 · 1395 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri after school

14. Jackson County YMCA – Child Care — Paid

Jackson County YMCA in Medford offers licensed before- and after-school child care, summer day camps, and enrichment programs for school-age children across southern Oregon. Call 541-772-6295 during weekday business hours or visit rvymca.org for current program availability and fees. Financial assistance and Oregon ERDC child care subsidies are available. Bring child's school schedule, immunization records, and emergency contact information when registering for before/after school or summer care.

541-772-6295 · 522 W 6th St, Medford, OR 97501 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · 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.