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 Pennsylvania

17 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

17 Resources

1. PA Child Care Works (Subsidy Program) — Free

Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program helping low-income working families pay for quality child care while they work, attend school, or participate in job training. Fathers with custody of young children who meet income guidelines can apply through their county Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). Apply online at compass.state.pa.us or contact your local ELRC. Subsidy amounts depend on income, family size, and child care provider.

1-888-461-5437 · Statewide — apply via COMPASS · Helpline Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. The Pennsylvania Key — Free

Statewide organization managing Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality rating system, helping parents identify and choose quality-rated child care programs across the state. STAR ratings from 1 to 4 reflect program quality. Fathers searching for quality child care in Pennsylvania can use The Pennsylvania Key's online program finder to search for rated providers in their area and understand what each STAR rating means.

1-844-569-7253 · 200 N 3rd St, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) — Free

Regional centers across Pennsylvania helping families find quality child care, apply for Child Care Works subsidies, and connect to early learning programs. ELRCs are located in each of Pennsylvania's 6 regions and provide free family support services. Fathers searching for child care or needing help with subsidy applications can call their regional ELRC for guidance, referrals, and assistance navigating the Child Care Works program.

1-888-461-5437 · Multiple regional locations statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Pennsylvania Head Start Association — Free

Coordinates Pennsylvania's Head Start and Early Head Start programs providing free comprehensive early childhood education, health and developmental screenings, meals, and family support services for income-eligible children from birth to age 5. Fathers with young children who meet income guidelines can apply at their local Head Start program. Visits pahsa.org to find the nearest PA Head Start program serving your community.

717-526-4646 · Statewide — search by county · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. PHLpreK (Philadelphia Pre-K) — Free

Philadelphia's free, high-quality pre-K program for 3- and 4-year-olds at approved child care centers and schools across the city for income-eligible families. PHLpreK provides full-day, full-year high-quality pre-K in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Fathers of 3 and 4-year-old children in Philadelphia can apply online at phlprek.com. Seats are limited; apply as early as possible to secure a spot for the upcoming program year.

1-844-745-7735 · 1515 Arch St, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. United Way PA 211 - Childcare Referrals — Free

Free 24/7 helpline connecting Pennsylvania families to local childcare resources, Child Care Works subsidy information, and community services with trained resource navigators. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. Fathers seeking help finding affordable child care, applying for subsidies, or locating after-school programs in Pennsylvania can call 211 any time for free referrals to vetted local resources.

211 · Call center — no walk-in · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. PA DHS - Early Learning & Child Care — Free

State department overseeing all Pennsylvania childcare assistance programs including Child Care Works subsidy administration, Keystone STARS quality ratings, and coordination with Head Start programs. Fathers with young children can access PA DHS early learning resources at dhs.pa.gov. Apply for Child Care Works at compass.state.pa.us. The department also connects families to their regional Early Learning Resource Center for personalized support.

1-800-692-7462 · Statewide · Helpline Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:45pm · Visit Website

8. YMCA of Greater Philadelphia - Childcare — Paid

Provides affordable before- and after-school care, summer camp, and early learning programs at multiple locations across the Philadelphia metro area. The YMCA of Greater Philadelphia accepts Child Care Works subsidies and offers financial assistance for families who qualify. Fathers with school-age children needing affordable childcare coverage before and after the school day can call their nearest YMCA branch to inquire about program availability.

215-963-3700 · Multiple Philadelphia-area locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

9. Childcare Information Services (CIS) - Pittsburgh — Free

Helps Allegheny County families find quality childcare, apply for Child Care Works subsidies, and understand childcare options through free counseling and referral services. CIS is the ELRC for Allegheny County. Fathers in the Pittsburgh area who need help finding affordable child care or navigating the subsidy application process can call CIS for free guidance and referrals to quality-rated programs near them.

412-350-3577 · 1 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. KenCrest (Philadelphia/Southeast PA) — Paid

Nonprofit providing early childhood education, preschool programs, and childcare services across southeastern Pennsylvania for children of all abilities including those with special needs. KenCrest accepts Child Care Works subsidies and serves families regardless of income. Fathers with young children including those with developmental delays or disabilities can contact KenCrest to learn about inclusive early childhood programs in southeastern PA.

610-873-6800 · 502 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

11. Keystone STARS Child Care Quality Ratings — Free

Pennsylvania's quality rating and improvement system for child care providers, helping parents identify higher-quality programs from STAR 1 through STAR 4 designations. Higher STAR ratings indicate more qualified staff, better learning environments, and stronger family engagement. Fathers searching for child care in Pennsylvania can use the Keystone STARS provider search tool to find rated programs in their county and compare quality levels.

1-844-569-7253 · Online search tool · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Brightside Academy (Philadelphia/Pittsburgh) — Paid

Early childhood education provider with centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offering infant, toddler, and preschool programs accepting Child Care Works subsidies and offering additional financial assistance. Brightside Academy provides structured learning environments for young children. Fathers with infants through preschool-age children can contact their nearest Brightside Academy location to learn about enrollment, hours, and subsidy acceptance.

412-244-3400 · Multiple locations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

13. ELRC Region 6 (Philadelphia) — Free

Early Learning Resource Center serving Philadelphia County, helping families find quality childcare, apply for Child Care Works subsidies, and access early intervention services for children with developmental delays. Free services are available to all Philadelphia families. Fathers in Philadelphia looking for child care, subsidy applications, or early intervention referrals for their young children can call ELRC Region 6 for personalized support.

215-382-4762 · 1608 Walnut St, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

14. First Up (Philadelphia Early Childhood) — Free

Philadelphia organization supporting early childhood educators and programs with professional development, advocacy, and quality improvement initiatives across the city's childcare sector. First Up helps childcare providers improve quality and stability so families receive better early learning experiences. Fathers seeking high-quality child care in Philadelphia can benefit from First Up's work to raise standards among participating Philadelphia childcare programs.

215-545-1544 · 2300 Chestnut St, Suite 240, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Trying Together (Pittsburgh Early Childhood) — Free

Pittsburgh-area organization supporting families and early childhood programs through advocacy, professional development, and community resources in Allegheny County. Trying Together advocates for quality early childhood education and supports child care providers in serving Pittsburgh families effectively. Fathers in the Pittsburgh area can use Trying Together's family resources to find quality childcare and connect with early learning supports.

412-421-3889 · 5604 Solway St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Lancaster Early Education Center — Free

Provides Head Start, pre-K, and early learning programs for children in Lancaster County with comprehensive family support services including health screenings, nutritious meals, and parent education. LEEC serves income-eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Fathers in Lancaster County with young children who meet income guidelines can contact LEEC to learn about enrollment and available program options.

717-291-5983 · 33 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm

17. Community Services for Children (Lehigh Valley) — Free

Head Start and Pre-K Counts provider serving the Lehigh Valley with comprehensive early childhood education, developmental and health screenings, nutritious meals, and family engagement programs. CSC serves income-eligible families with children birth to age 5 in the Allentown and Bethlehem areas. Fathers in the Lehigh Valley with young children who meet income requirements can contact Community Services for Children to apply for enrollment.

610-437-6000 · 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown, PA 18109 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · 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.