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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

13 Resources

1. Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy — Free

State-funded childcare subsidy for low-income working parents, parents in school, or parents in approved W-2 activities paying a share of childcare costs at licensed providers. Fathers can apply online at access.wi.gov or at local agencies. Eligibility based on income, household size, and approved activity. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household, pay stubs or school schedule, and provider information to intake for fastest authorization and certification.

1-888-713-6437 · Apply online at access.wi.gov or at local agency · Online 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Wisconsin Child Care Resource & Referral — Free

Statewide network of child care resource and referral agencies helping parents find quality licensed childcare providers, understand financial assistance like Wisconsin Shares, and connect with early education supports. Fathers can call or visit the website for free referrals. Serves all Wisconsin counties through regional CCR&Rs. Have your ZIP code, desired schedule, child's age, and any special needs ready when you call for a customized provider list.

1-888-713-6437 · Statewide service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Head Start - Dane County (Madison) — Free

Free federally funded early childhood education for income-eligible Madison-area families providing comprehensive preschool services, nutrition, health screenings, and family support for children ages 0-5. Fathers can apply through the Dane County Head Start office. Serves Dane County. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, immunization records, and Social Security cards for household members to your application appointment for fastest enrollment.

608-245-2700 · Multiple Dane County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

4. YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee - Childcare — Paid

Before/after school care, preschool, summer day camps, and drop-in childcare at multiple Milwaukee-area YMCA locations with financial assistance available based on household income. Fathers can enroll online or at the nearest Y. Serves Milwaukee. Accepts Wisconsin Shares subsidies. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and Wisconsin Shares authorization letter if applicable to enrollment. Discounts for Y members; scholarships for low-income families.

414-374-9622 · Multiple Milwaukee locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

5. YoungStar (Wisconsin Quality Rating) — Free

Wisconsin's quality rating and improvement system for childcare providers awarding 1-5 stars based on provider practices, staff qualifications, and learning environment. Fathers can search the online directory by ZIP to find quality-rated programs and compare options before enrolling. Higher-rated programs may qualify for increased Wisconsin Shares subsidy rates. Available online 24/7 at no cost. Combine YoungStar ratings with visits and references when choosing a provider.

1-888-713-6437 · Online resource — search by ZIP · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Next Door Foundation (Milwaukee Head Start) — Free

Milwaukee's largest Head Start and Early Head Start provider serving 2,000+ children with free early education, health services, family support, home visiting, and two-generation programs for income-eligible families. Fathers can apply at any Next Door center. Serves Milwaukee. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, immunization records, and Social Security cards for household members to your application for fastest enrollment and placement.

414-327-5105 · 2545 N 29th St, Milwaukee, WI 53210 · Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm (varies) · Visit Website

7. Head Start - Green Bay/Brown County — Free

Free federally funded early childhood education for income-eligible Brown County families providing comprehensive preschool services, nutrition, health screenings, and family support for children ages 0-5. Fathers can apply at Brown County centers. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, immunization records, and Social Security cards for household members to your application appointment for fastest enrollment and placement in an available classroom.

920-448-4300 · Multiple Brown County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

8. Head Start - Racine County — Free

Free federally funded early childhood education for income-eligible Racine County families providing school readiness programming, nutrition, health screenings, and family support for children ages 0-5. Fathers can apply at Racine County centers. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, immunization records, and Social Security cards for household members to your application appointment for fastest enrollment and placement in an available classroom.

262-638-6336 · Multiple Racine County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

9. YMCA of the Fox Cities - Childcare (Appleton) — Paid

Before/after school care, preschool, summer day camps, and drop-in childcare at Fox Valley YMCA locations with financial assistance available based on household income. Fathers can enroll online or at the nearest Y. Serves Outagamie, Winnebago, and Calumet counties. Accepts Wisconsin Shares subsidies. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and Wisconsin Shares authorization letter if applicable to enrollment for fastest registration and start date.

920-739-6135 · 218 E Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54911 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

10. 4C for Children - Southeast Wisconsin — Free

Regional child care resource and referral agency helping southeast Wisconsin parents find quality licensed childcare, understand Wisconsin Shares, and access early childhood supports through free customized referrals and parent education. Fathers can call for free referrals. Serves Milwaukee and surrounding counties. Have your ZIP code, desired schedule, child's age, and any special needs ready when you call for a customized list of licensed providers that match your family's situation.

414-562-2650 · 1348 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) — Free

Statewide membership organization supporting childcare quality through provider training, accreditation support, advocacy, and resources for Wisconsin providers and families. Fathers can access the website for parenting tips, quality childcare guidance, and links to find licensed providers. Also administers REWARD stipends for qualified providers. Based in Fitchburg. Call for information on quality childcare resources, early childhood advocacy, and connections to parent and provider supports statewide.

608-240-9880 · 2908 Marketplace Dr, Fitchburg, WI 53719 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Penfield Children's Center (Milwaukee) — Paid

Milwaukee early childhood center providing inclusive childcare, Early Head Start, early intervention, and developmental services for children including those with special needs and developmental delays. Fathers can inquire about enrollment by phone or in person. Serves Milwaukee. Accepts Wisconsin Shares and some private insurance for therapy services. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and any developmental or medical evaluations to intake for fastest placement.

414-263-3222 · 833 N 26th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

13. Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Bay - Before/After School — Paid

Affordable before-school, after-school, and summer day programs for Green Bay area youth ages 5-18 featuring homework help, recreation, and enrichment activities at the University Avenue location. Fathers can enroll their kids at the main club. Serves Brown County. Fees vary with sliding-scale and scholarships available for eligible families. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, emergency contact info, and immunization records for enrollment and program registration.

920-437-2291 · 1451 University Ave, Green Bay, WI 54302 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm (varies)

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.