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 Utah

7 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 Utah

Utah district courts handle family law in each of its eight judicial districts; juvenile courts handle parentage and some custody matters. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) operates child support enforcement. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan are the largest cities. Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake provide free civil representation.

7 Resources

1. Utah Child Care Subsidy Program — Free

State program that helps eligible working families pay for licensed child care through the Department of Workforce Services. Fathers working, attending school, or training for employment can apply online or at the East 300 South office in Salt Lake City. Subsidy amounts and copays depend on income and family size. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, proof of income, work or school schedule, and the provider's information when applying.

866-435-7414 · 140 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Care About Childcare – Utah — Free

Statewide child care resource and referral network helping Utah families find quality licensed child care providers and access professional development for providers. Fathers can call weekdays for a personalized referral or use the online search by city, zip code, and age of child. Services are free to families. Be ready to share your child's age, desired schedule, neighborhood preferences, any special needs, and whether you plan to use a subsidy.

801-326-4400 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Utah Head Start — Free

Federal early childhood education program offering free preschool, health, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible Utah families with children from birth to age 5. Fathers can call the federal helpline or use the online locator to find the nearest Head Start program and apply. Eligibility is based on income and household size; homeless and foster families are automatically eligible. Bring photo ID, income verification, the child's birth certificate, and immunization record.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

4. Utah Pre-K Program — Free

State-funded pre-kindergarten for eligible 4-year-olds in participating Utah districts and high-quality private providers, coordinated by the Utah State Board of Education from the East 500 South office in Salt Lake City. Fathers can call weekdays to learn which districts are participating and how to enroll. Eligibility is based on income, language needs, and family circumstances. Bring photo ID, proof of income, the child's birth certificate, and immunization record to enroll.

801-538-7500 · 250 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

5. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake – After School — Free

Affordable after-school and summer programs for elementary and middle-school youth in Salt Lake City, including the California Avenue club. Fathers can enroll children in low-cost memberships that include homework help, recreation, and character-development programming. Call during after-school hours to tour and apply. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization record, any custody paperwork, and emergency contact information when enrolling your child in the program.

801-466-7404 · 855 W California Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 · Mon-Fri after school

6. Early Intervention – Utah Baby Watch — Free

State's early intervention program providing free developmental screening, evaluation, and therapy services for Utah children from birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Fathers can call weekdays or request an evaluation online. Services are free regardless of income. Bring the child's birth certificate, medical records including any diagnosis, insurance information if applicable, and a list of concerns or observations to the first evaluation appointment to speed planning.

800-961-4226 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Utah Office of Child Care – Licensing Info — Free

State office within the Department of Health and Human Services that licenses, monitors, and provides consumer information on child care providers in Utah from the North 1950 West campus. Fathers can call weekdays or use the online search to confirm a provider's license status, inspection history, and substantiated complaints before enrolling. Services are free to the public. Have the provider's name, address, and license number handy when searching the public database.

801-538-9500 · 195 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 · 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.