YMCA of Natrona County — Childcare

Childcare Assistance · Wyoming · Paid

The YMCA of Natrona County in Casper provides before- and after-school care, summer day camps, and school-break programs for children ages 5-12. Fathers can register year-round with availability based on program size. Membership and sliding-scale financial assistance available. Bring photo ID, proof of residency, child health and immunization records, and emergency contact information to enroll children in any program.

Contact & Details

Address: 315 E 1st St, Casper, WY 82601

Phone: (307) 234-9187

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm

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 Wyoming

Wyoming district courts hear family matters across its 23 counties and nine judicial districts. The Child Support Services Program operates under DFS. Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette are the largest cities. Legal Aid of Wyoming is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

More Childcare Assistance in Wyoming

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.