Child Care Financial Assistance

Child Care Aware of Virginia refers families to financial assistance options to help with the cost of child. Our database includes providers who offer different options such as sliding scale fees, negotiable rates, and scholarship opportunities. There are also state funded programs that parents and providers can apply for to assist with additional needs. Check out the links listed below:

VA Department of Social Services - Child Care Assistance

Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to eligible families to help pay for the cost of child care so they can work or attend education or training programs.

Screening for Eligibility & Applying

The screening tool provides only a preliminary screening for financial assistance programs administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). It does not confirm actual eligibility. For a final determination, you must complete an application for benefits and be interviewed at your local department of social services.

Submit an application manually by completing theChild Care Service Application and Predetermination Formbelow and returning it to your local department of social services (you can also pick up an application at your local office or ask them to mail one to you).

Note: You may need to be interviewed by a child care worker. Income verification is required.

QUESTIONS
If you have questions concerning the Child Care Subsidy Program, contact your local Department of Social Services.

Child Care Aware of America - Military Fee Assistance

Child Care Aware of Virginia is not responsible for the Military Fee Assistance Program. This program is administered by Child Care Aware of America.

Please feel free to contact the Child Care Aware of America Military Fee Assistance department toll-free at 1-800-424-2246 or by email at msp@usa.childcareaware.org with any questions you may have about the fee assistance programs.

Provider Financial Assistance Options

Some providers may offer their own types of financial assistance options for parents such as sliding scale fees, scholarships, negotiable rates and discounts. If you don’t qualify for a subsidy program, try searching for a provider who offers one of these financial options. We can help! You can search for these programs using our online self-search and by calling our Referral Specialist at 1-866-KIDS TLC.

Sliding fee scale: Some providers allow families to pay a rate based on their income. This is called a sliding fee scale. Call providers you’re considering and ask whether they offer a sliding fee scale. You can also ask whether they offer payment plans or other options to help pay for child care.

Scholarships: Some local nonprofit organizations and individual child care providers may offer fee assistance or scholarships. Be sure to ask us and any providers you are considering about assistance and scholarships.

Negotiable rates: Due to your specific needs, child care providers may also be willing to negotiate their child care rates. ​Don’t be afraid to ask- they might be able to work something out to make it work for your family.

Discounts:  Child care programs ​may offer discounts to families. These discounts include sibling discounts, military discounts, first responder discounts, etc. They may take a percentage or dollar amount off of a child’s weekly or monthly rate. They may also offer to waive the registration fee or other fees.