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 Vermont

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 Vermont

Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court handles all family matters statewide. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DCF. Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Essex are the largest towns. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (a nonprofit partner) provide civil legal aid, including a joint statewide Family Law helpline.

7 Resources

1. Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program — Free

State-funded childcare subsidy helping low- and moderate-income Vermont families afford quality childcare at licensed centers and registered home providers. Fathers can apply at the Waterbury DCF office or online. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household, proof of income, work or school schedule, and the chosen provider's information. Subsidy levels depend on income, family size, and provider rates.

(800) 479-6151 · 103 S Main St, Waterbury, VT 05671 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Let's Grow Kids — Vermont — Free

Statewide advocacy and resource organization working to ensure every Vermont child has access to affordable, high-quality childcare. Fathers can visit the Williston office or website to find childcare providers, learn about child development, and connect with advocacy opportunities. Staff also help families navigate the childcare financial assistance process and understand their rights as consumers of early care.

(802) 223-1624 · 600 Blair Park Rd Suite 210, Williston, VT 05495 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Boys & Girls Club of Burlington — After School — Paid

Affordable after-school programs with homework help, enrichment activities, and structured recreation for school-aged children at the Archibald St Burlington location. Fathers can register children during the school year for daily care after school until 8pm. Financial assistance available for qualifying families; ask about sliding-scale or scholarship options. Bring photo ID, emergency contacts, and enrollment paperwork.

(802) 862-8993 · 68 Archibald St, Burlington, VT 05401 · Mon-Fri 2pm-8pm

4. Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children — Free

State affiliate of NAEYC supporting quality early childhood education programs and providers across Vermont through training, advocacy, and resources. Fathers seeking high-quality childcare can use the directory to find accredited programs. The South Burlington office also hosts professional development for providers. Families can call for information about what to look for in a quality program.

(802) 878-4878 · 60 Farrell St Suite 200, South Burlington, VT 05403 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

5. Vermont Special Education Early Intervention — Free

Free early intervention services (Part C of IDEA) for Vermont children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Fathers concerned about a young child's development can request evaluation through the Barre office or local parent-child center. Services include developmental therapy, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and family support at no cost. No income requirement; referrals welcome from any source.

(802) 828-1188 · 219 N Main St Suite 600, Barre, VT 05641 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Boys & Girls Club of Rutland — After School — Paid

After-school childcare and enrichment activities for school-aged Rutland-area children, including homework help, recreation, and healthy snacks. Fathers can register kids at the Center St location during the school year. Financial assistance is often available for qualifying families; ask about sliding-scale or scholarship options. Bring photo ID, child's emergency contacts, and enrollment paperwork to registration.

(802) 773-9996 · 49 Center St, Rutland, VT 05701 · Mon-Fri 2pm-7pm · Visit Website

7. Northeast Kingdom Human Services — Childcare — Free

Childcare resource referral, subsidy application help, and family support services for Northeast Kingdom residents. Fathers can visit the St. Johnsbury Portland St office to find licensed providers, apply for financial assistance, or access family support services. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and work or school schedules when applying for the child care subsidy program.

(802) 748-3181 · 2225 Portland St, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 · 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.