Financial Assistance for Childcare

The Care 4 Kids program helps Connecticut families afford quality childcare by covering a portion of childcare costs for eligible families. This program is a partnership between the State of Connecticut, participating families, and licensed childcare providers. Linda's House accepts Care 4 Kids and encourages families to know their options when it comes to childcare assistance.

To be eligible, families must:

• Live in Connecticut
• Be working or enrolled in an approved training program
• Meet income requirements based on family size and income level, which fall within low to moderate ranges.

Children must:

• Live in Connecticut
• Be under age 13 (or under 19 if they have special needs)

Childcare providers must be either licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood or be a close relative (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles).

Use the Care 4 Kids Eligibility Tool to check if you qualify.

The program sets specific income limits based on family size. You can view the income guidelines table to see if your household income falls within the eligibility range. Generally, the program covers a portion of costs for families with income levels up to 85% of the state median income.

Care 4 Kids can ease the financial burden of childcare, allowing parents to:

• Access quality childcare for their children
• Work or participate in training programs to improve job prospects
• Receive consistent financial assistance with eligibility reviewed annually

The program provides additional flexibility, such as a three-month job search certificate if employment is lost. Families only need to report major changes, making it easier to maintain support while managing life changes.

For more details, call Care 4 Kids at 1-888-214-5437 or visit their website.

• Complete an Application: Families can apply online or print an application form to fill out by hand.
• Provide Required Documentation: Along with your application, submit income documents like paycheck stubs. If you have a childcare provider, fill out a Parent-Provider Agreement (PPA) with them.
• Approval and Payment: If approved, you’ll receive a Child Care Certificate authorizing payment for a set period, typically up to 12 months.