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 West Virginia

6 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 West Virginia

West Virginia Family Court is a statewide unified system handling divorce, custody, and child support. The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement operates under DHHR. Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown are the largest cities. Legal Aid of West Virginia is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

6 Resources

1. WV Child Care Subsidy Program — Free

State program that helps eligible working families pay for child care through subsidized payments to licensed providers. Fathers working, in school, or in training may qualify based on income and household size. Apply through DHHR or a local child care resource and referral agency. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, proof of work or school activity, and birth certificates for children. Statewide coverage.

304-558-1885 · 350 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. WV Child Care Resource & Referral — Free

Statewide agency helping families find quality licensed child care, understand subsidy options, and navigate child-care choices across West Virginia. Free service for all families regardless of income. Fathers can call the toll-free line or visit the website for help locating providers in their ZIP code, evaluating quality ratings, and applying for subsidy. Support available Monday through Friday business hours by phone.

800-894-9540 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. WV Head Start — Free

Federally funded early childhood education and family support program for income-eligible families with children birth to age 5. Free for qualifying families, with services including preschool, health screenings, family advocacy, and father engagement. Call the national locator line or visit the website to find your nearest WV Head Start program. Bring proof of income, birth certificate, and immunization records at enrollment. Schedules vary by site.

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

4. WV Pre-K Program (Universal) — Free

Free universal pre-kindergarten program available to all 4-year-olds in West Virginia regardless of family income. Operated through public school districts and partner child care sites statewide. Fathers can enroll their child with their local school district; bring the child's birth certificate, immunization record, and proof of residence. Central office on Kanawha Boulevard East in Charleston. Classes follow school calendar and hours.

304-558-2691 · 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305 · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website

5. YMCA of Kanawha Valley – Child Care — Paid

Licensed before- and after-school care, full-day summer camps, and preschool programs for families in the Charleston area. Sliding-scale fees and financial assistance available so no family is turned away for inability to pay. Fathers can enroll at the YMCA Drive location in Charleston; bring the child's immunization record, photo ID, and proof of income if applying for assistance. Open early morning through evening weekdays.

304-340-3527 · 100 YMCA Dr, Charleston, WV 25311 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm

6. YMCA of the Upper Ohio Valley – Child Care — Paid

Licensed before- and after-school child care and summer day camps for families in the Wheeling area. Sliding-scale fees and financial assistance available so no family is turned away for inability to pay. Fathers can enroll at the YMCA Drive location in Wheeling; bring the child's immunization record, photo ID, and proof of income if applying for assistance. Open early morning through evening Monday through Friday.

304-232-0511 · 1 YMCA Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm

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.