Paying for Child Care
State and federal subsidies are available to help families pay for the high cost of child care. The major types of subsidies in Maine include:
Child Care Vouchers:
Child care vouchers are designed to help income eligible families pay for child care costs while working, in school/job training, or in a substance abuse treatment program. Eligibility is based on family size and gross household income. A parent fee is determined based on these two factors. To learn more: www.maine.gov/dhhs/occhs/step.htm
Child Care Contracted Slots:
Subsidized assistance that is contracted to the provider. Families pay for a portion of their "slot" based on their family size and gross income. To learn more: www.maine.gov/dhhs/occhs/contract.htm
Head Start:
Is a national program that provides comprehensive developmental and social services to low income children and their families. To learn more: www.maine.gov/dhhs/occhs/headstart.htm
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF):
Temporary help for children and their parents while the family works toward becoming self-supporting. To learn more: www.maine.gov/dhhs/bfi/Services.htm
ASPIRE-TANF Program:
The ASPIRE-TANF Program is the education, training and work program that most parents receiving TANF are required to participate in. ASPIRE participants are eligible for help with transportation, child care and other services necessary to help them participate. For additional information contact the Department of Health and Human Services.
TANF Transitional Program:
TANF transitional child care is available to recipients who receive TANF in one of the three months immediately preceding the month of eligibility. Increased work hours or increased earnings must have caused or contributed to the closure, and the family’s gross income must be equal to or less the 85% of the state’s median income for their family size. Transitional child care services are also available to families in which one or both adults are working; and although they remain financially eligible for TANF, request that their benefits be terminated.
For more information, please call or email us.