Paying for Child Care

The cost of child care depends on your child’s age, type of program, and program’s location.

Financial aid programs may help you pay for child care in Minnesota. These include the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and Early Learning Scholarships.

You can call 888.291.9811 for help. Or you can use Bridge to Benefit’s free financial aid screening tool to see if you might be eligible.

Financial Aid Programs

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Who
You may be eligible to receive CCAP benefits if:

• You have a low income. This includes families currently or recently in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and those who have never received cash assistance.
• You have children ages 12 and younger or children with special needs who are ages 14 and younger that need child care.
• You need help paying for child care to work, look for work, or attend school or training.

What
This program pays a portion of your child care costs to the your child care provider. Families must use a legal provider. Families may have to pay a copayment based on their income and number of people in their family. There may be a waiting list for assistance in some counties for families that haven’t recently received cash assistance.

How
You can apply for child care assistance at your tribal or county human services office. Once you apply for CCAP, a child care worker will determine your eligibility and help you understand the program.

 

Early Learning Scholarships

Who
Families meeting income eligibility requirements with a child between the ages of 0 and 4 who choose an eligible child care program (a program participating in Parent Aware).

What
Scholarships help families afford high-quality child care and early education programs. At this time, maximum scholarship award amounts vary based on the Parent Aware Star Rating of the early childhood program serving the child, up to the limit (cap) of $12,000-$15,000, based on program type and Parent Aware rating, per scholarship year. The scholarship cap may be subject to change.

How
For more information call Parent Aware at 888.291.9811 or contact your local scholarship administrator.

 

Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program

Who
Students with low incomes who have children under age 12 in child care (or age 14 for special needs children) while they attend postsecondary classes.

What
Grants for part-time or full-time student parents continuing their education after high school.

How
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a separate application for this program from your college’s financial aid office.

 

Child Care Assistance for Military Personnel

Who
Authorized active duty personnel of all military branches that do not have access to an on-base child care provider.

What
Eligible personnel may receive assistance in locating, selecting, and offsetting the cost of full-time or part-time civilian child care.

How
Visit the Child Care Aware® of America website to learn more about the assistance available and the eligibility requirements.