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 Tennessee

13 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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

13 Resources

1. Head Start - Nashville/Davidson County — Free

Free comprehensive early childhood education program for income-eligible Nashville families with children ages birth to 5. Services include structured learning, health and dental screenings, nutrition, behavioral health support, and family engagement. Enrollment is based on income and priority factors. Bring photo ID, child birth certificate, proof of income, proof of Nashville residency, and immunization records when applying at a local Head Start center.

615-862-8860 · Multiple Nashville locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

2. Head Start - Memphis/Shelby County — Free

Free comprehensive early childhood education for income-eligible Memphis and Shelby County families with children ages birth to 5. Services include learning and development, health and dental screenings, nutrition programs, behavioral support, and family engagement activities. Enrollment requires proof of income, child birth certificate, photo ID, proof of Memphis-area residency, and immunization records. Contact the program to learn about current openings and enrollment periods.

901-324-2050 · Multiple Memphis/Shelby County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

3. Head Start - Knox County (CAC) — Free

Free comprehensive early childhood education for income-eligible Knoxville and Knox County families with children ages birth to 5 through the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee. Services include structured learning, health and dental screenings, nutrition, and family support. Bring photo ID, child birth certificate, proof of income, proof of Knox County residency, and immunization records when applying at a local center.

865-546-3500 · Multiple Knox County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

4. YMCA of Middle Tennessee - Childcare — Paid

Provides before and after school care, preschool, and summer programs at multiple Nashville and Middle Tennessee YMCA locations. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families on a sliding-scale basis. Enrollment requires photo ID, child birth certificate, proof of residence, emergency contacts, and immunization records. Contact the nearest YMCA branch to confirm program availability, hours, current fees, and the financial assistance application process.

615-259-9622 · Multiple Middle Tennessee locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

5. Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) — Free

Free state-funded preschool program for income-eligible 4-year-olds across Tennessee, providing high-quality early childhood education in school-based settings. The program follows the same school calendar as K-12 and uses Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards. Families apply through their local school district each spring for the following year. Bring proof of income, child birth certificate, photo ID, and immunization records when enrolling.

Programs in school districts statewide · School-day schedule; varies by district

6. Head Start - Chattanooga/Hamilton County — Free

Free comprehensive early childhood education for income-eligible families in the Chattanooga and Hamilton County area with services for children ages birth to 5 including learning, health and dental screenings, nutrition, and family support. Enrollment requires proof of income, child birth certificate, photo ID, proof of local residency, and immunization records. Contact the program to ask about current openings and enrollment periods at nearby centers.

423-752-0314 · Multiple Chattanooga locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

7. YMCA of East Tennessee - Childcare — Paid

Provides before and after school care, preschool, and summer programs at multiple Knoxville-area YMCA locations. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families on a sliding-scale basis. Enrollment requires photo ID, child birth certificate, proof of residence, emergency contacts, and immunization records. Contact the nearest Knoxville-area YMCA branch to confirm program availability, current fees, and how to apply for financial assistance.

865-523-9622 · Multiple East Tennessee locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

8. YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South - Childcare — Paid

Before and after school programs, preschool, and summer camps at Memphis-area YMCA locations for children in Shelby County and surrounding communities. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families on a sliding-scale basis. Enrollment requires photo ID, child birth certificate, proof of residence, emergency contacts, and immunization records. Contact the nearest Memphis YMCA branch for program availability, current fees, and financial assistance applications.

901-766-9622 · Multiple Memphis locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

9. Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee - After School — Paid

Affordable after-school programs at Boys and Girls Club locations across Tennessee providing homework help, enrichment activities, STEM education, sports, arts, and daily meals for youth ages 6-18. Low-cost annual membership fees apply; financial assistance may be available. Enroll a child at the nearest club by providing photo ID, child birth certificate, proof of residence, emergency contacts, and immunization records.

Clubs in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga · After school; Mon-Fri · Visit Website

10. Child Care Aware of America - Tennessee — Free

National resource helping Tennessee parents locate quality licensed childcare providers, understand state licensing and quality rating requirements, and access financial assistance programs including Tennessee's childcare subsidy. Use the online search tool to find providers by ZIP code and filter by age group, type, and quality rating. Phone specialists can help parents navigate the Tennessee Child Care Certificate program and answer questions about eligibility.

1-800-424-2246 · Online and phone resource · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm ET · Visit Website

11. Tennessee Department of Human Services - Child Care Licensing — Free

State agency licensing, inspecting, and monitoring childcare providers across Tennessee and administering the Tennessee Child Care Certificate subsidy program for eligible low-income working families. Parents can search for licensed and quality-rated providers by ZIP code through the DHS website. To apply for a childcare subsidy, contact the local DHS office and bring photo ID, proof of income, child birth certificates, and proof of Tennessee residency.

866-311-4287 · 400 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Fort Campbell Child Development Centers — Paid

On-post childcare facilities serving active-duty and eligible military families at Fort Campbell with full-day infant and toddler care, preschool, hourly drop-in care, and school-age before and after school programs. Fees are based on total family income using DoD fee schedules. Military families should contact Army MWR to check current availability and enrollment waitlists. A copy of sponsor orders, dependent IDs, and child immunization records are required to enroll.

270-798-7422 · Fort Campbell, KY-TN · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

13. Porter-Leath Early Childhood (Memphis) — Free

Memphis nonprofit operating 25+ Head Start and Early Head Start centers providing free comprehensive early childhood education and family services for income-eligible Memphis families with children ages birth to 5. Services include structured learning, health screenings, nutrition, and family engagement. Enrollment requires proof of income, child birth certificate, photo ID, proof of Memphis-area residency, and immunization records. Contact Porter-Leath for enrollment information and current openings.

901-577-2500 · Multiple Memphis locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · 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.