Quality child care can be expensive. Fortunately, there may be financial assistance for hard-working, Indiana families that meet certain income criteria. And, some providers may have flexibility to help families who don’t meet the income criteria.
Special Opportunity
Healthcare Worker Child Care Applications
Lake Area United Way has grant funding to help healthcare workers who live in Hammond, East Chicago, and Gary pay for childcare through the end of May. To learn more and see if you qualify for funding click here.
How to Find a High-Quality Child Care Provider in Lake County
1. Call Early Learning Connections at Geminus Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R)
2. Search and Map Indiana Child Care Providers
3. Support Your Child’s Early Learning
4. Take Care of Your Whole Family
OPTION ONE
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) for children birth to age 13.
CCDF is a federal program that helps low-income families obtain child care so that they may work, attend training or continue their education. The purpose of CCDF is to increase the availability, affordability and quality of child care.
Contact:
CCDF Intake Agent--Region 1A
Automated Health Systems
Roberto Castro
Phone: 855-533-7342
Toll-Free: 855-533-7342
Fax: 855-631-0120
Income Guidelines for CCDF Initial Application (March 31, 2019)
Family Size / Gross Monthly Income
2 / $1742 • 3 / $2199 • 4 / $2656 • 5 / $3114 • 6 / $3571 • 7 / $4028 • 8 / $4485
OPTION TWO
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children under five (5) from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in many areas such as language, literacy and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. These programs help build relationships with families that support family well-being and many other important areas.
Early Head Start programs serve infants, toddlers and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level. Early Head Start programs were established in recognition of the mounting evidence that the earliest years matter a great deal to a child’s growth and development.
Contact: To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program, call 866-763-6481, or use the Head Start locator: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
OPTION THREE
On My Way Pre-K
If your child will be 4 years old by August 1st and your family meets other program requirements, you can apply for On My Way Pre-K, Indiana’s first pre-kindergarten funding for high-quality pre-K programs located within your community.
Contact: Find out if your child is eligible or to apply visit: www.onmywayprek.org or call 1-800-299-1627
Income Guidelines for On My Way Pre-K (March 31, 2019)
Family Size / Gross Monthly Income
2 / $190 • 3 / $2257 • 4 / $2725 • 5 / $3193 • 6 / $3661 • 7 / $4129 • 8 / $4596
Are You Searching for School Age Child Care?
START HERE
Search and Map Indiana Out-of-School Time Providers
Indiana Afterschool Network’s Out-of-School Time Program Search: http://rac.iaccrr.org/ian_partners/out_of_school_care_search.php
Local Nonprofit Afterschool Care Providers
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater NWI / (219) 764-2582 / www.bgcgreaternwi.org
• Griffith YMCA / (219) 750-1082 / www.crymca.org/griffith
• Hammond YMCA / (219) 845-1507 / www.crymca.org/hammond
• Whiting YMCA / (219) 370-5091 / www.crymca.org/whiting
• Hobart Family YMCA / (219) 942-2183 / www.hobartymca.org
To download information about high-quality child care, click here.