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 Virginia

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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

13 Resources

1. Virginia Quality - Child Care Rating — Free

Virginia's quality rating and improvement system for childcare providers helping parents find and compare licensed programs by location and star rating. Search the online database by ZIP code to see quality ratings, program details, and inspection histories for licensed childcare centers and family day homes. Higher star ratings indicate stronger health, safety, and educational practices. Use the website to compare programs before enrolling your child in childcare across Virginia.

Online resource — search by ZIP code · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Child Care Aware of Virginia — Free

Statewide resource and referral network helping Virginia parents find quality licensed childcare providers and understand financial assistance options including childcare subsidy programs. Call 1-866-543-7852 to speak with a childcare resource specialist who can provide a list of providers near you by ZIP code, type of care, and age of child. Services are free and available statewide. Also provides information on how to apply for Virginia's childcare assistance subsidy program.

1-866-543-7852 · Statewide phone/online service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Head Start - Richmond (RCAP) — Free

Free comprehensive early childhood education for income-eligible Richmond-area families with children ages 0-5. Head Start includes education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services delivered at multiple center locations. Enrollment requires meeting income eligibility guidelines. Call 804-780-5200 to inquire about current enrollment openings and required documentation. Head Start prepares children for kindergarten and connects families to community support services at no cost.

804-780-5200 · Multiple Richmond-area locations · Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm (varies by center)

4. Head Start - Hampton Roads — Free

Free comprehensive early childhood education for income-eligible families in the Hampton Roads area with children ages 0-5. Services include education, health screenings, dental checkups, nutrition, and family support at multiple center locations. Income eligibility required for enrollment. Call 757-722-1269 to inquire about current openings and what documentation to bring. Head Start prepares children for kindergarten success while connecting families to community services at no cost.

757-722-1269 · Multiple Hampton Roads locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

5. YMCA of Greater Richmond - Childcare — Paid

Provides before and after school care, preschool programs, and summer day camps at multiple Richmond-area locations. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through YMCA's Open Doors program. Programs are designed to provide safe, enriching environments for children while parents work. Call 804-644-9622 or visit ymcarichmond.org to find the nearest location, check program availability, and inquire about financial assistance eligibility and application process.

804-644-9622 · Multiple greater Richmond locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

6. Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) — Free

Free state-funded preschool program for at-risk 4-year-olds across Virginia providing high-quality early childhood education in school and community-based settings. VPI is administered through local school divisions and targets children from low-income families or with other risk factors. Enrollment is competitive in many areas. Contact your local Virginia school division's early childhood office to apply. Program hours typically follow the school schedule and transportation may be available.

Programs in school divisions statewide · School-day schedule; varies by district · Visit Website

7. Virginia Childcare Licensing Search — Free

Official Virginia DSS tool to look up licensed childcare centers and family day homes with inspection reports, compliance history, and capacity information. Search by name, city, county, or ZIP code to find licensed providers near you and review their most recent inspection results. Use this resource when comparing childcare options to verify licensing status and check for any violations. Access the search tool at dss.virginia.gov at no cost and without creating an account.

800-543-7545 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Virginia Early Intervention (Infant & Toddler) — Free

Statewide early intervention program for children birth to 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities. Free developmental screenings and individualized services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and family support are provided in the child's natural environment. Services are free for eligible families and provided by a team of specialists. Call 800-234-1448 or contact your pediatrician to request a referral and developmental evaluation in your Virginia locality.

800-234-1448 · Programs in every Virginia locality · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Bright Horizons – Virginia Employer Childcare — Paid

Back-up childcare and full-time early education services at employer-sponsored centers and affiliated partner sites across Virginia. Many large Virginia employers partner with Bright Horizons to provide subsidized care to employees when regular childcare falls through or as a full-time option. Check with your HR department to see if your employer offers Bright Horizons benefits. Call 866-854-2273 or visit brighthorizons.com to find Virginia locations and learn about available services.

866-854-2273 · Multiple VA employer sites · Varies · Visit Website

10. Military Child Care – Virginia Installations — Paid

Military families stationed at Fort Barfoot, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and other Virginia installations can access subsidized on-base childcare through the Military Child Care system. Subsidies are based on the service member's total family income and can significantly reduce childcare costs. Reserve and active duty families may qualify. Call 877-276-4543 or visit militarychildcare.com to search for available spots at Virginia installation childcare centers and apply for fee assistance.

877-276-4543 · Virginia military installations · Mon-Fri · Visit Website

11. YMCA of South Hampton Roads – Childcare — Paid

Before and after school care, preschool programs, and summer day camps in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the YMCA's Open Doors program. Programs run during school year hours and provide safe, enriching environments for children. Call 757-622-6328 or visit ymcashr.org to find the nearest location and inquire about program availability, costs, and how to apply for financial assistance as a qualifying family.

757-622-6328 · Hampton Roads locations · Program hours vary · Visit Website

12. KinderCare – Virginia — Paid

National childcare provider with over 40 centers across Virginia serving infants through school-age children. Programs include infant rooms, toddler care, preschool, and before and after school care. Hours are typically Monday through Friday from early morning to late afternoon. Financial assistance and subsidy programs may be accepted at some Virginia locations. Call 800-633-1488 or visit kindercare.com to find the nearest Virginia center, check availability, and learn about tuition rates.

800-633-1488 · 40+ Virginia locations · Mon-Fri 6am-6:30pm · Visit Website

13. Loudoun County Head Start — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible Loudoun County families with children ages 0-5 through the local Head Start program. Services include classroom education, health and developmental screenings, dental care, nutrition, and family support. Income eligibility guidelines apply and enrollment is competitive due to limited spots. Call 703-771-5700 or contact Loudoun County to inquire about current openings, required documentation, and how to apply for Head Start enrollment.

703-771-5700 · Loudoun County, VA · Program hours vary · 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.