The cost of child care can be an unexpected realization for many families. Quality child care and early learning is often reflected in the price. You want the best for your child, but what if you can't afford it?

Below is information about programs available to help families with the cost of child care. Each has its own eligibility guidelines and processes. Contact information for the agencies that administer these programs is provided. You are encouraged to contact them for more information regarding their processes and your potential eligibility.

Publicly Funded Child Care or Title XX is a subsidy program supported by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and administered in the local department of each county. Parents who are working or in school can apply for help to pay for their child care in the county where they live by contacting your local opportunity center. You will need to choose a home provider certified by the county, a Head Start program, or a participating licensed child care center or school age program. You will still be required to pay for part of your child care (co-pay), based on your income, family size and the number of your children that will be in child care. You may be eligible for help to pay for your child care if you receive cash from Ohio Works First (OWF), formerly called ADC or welfare, or even if you no longer or never received OWF cash assistance, but your income is low. Program income eligibility guidelines are here. You can get more information about the child care program from your County Department of Job and Family Services here. 

The Early Learning Initiative (ELI), program is offered in many of Ohio’s counties through a cooperative program of the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. ELI focuses on Ohio’s Early Learning Program Guidelines to ensure kindergarten readiness. ELI is a free preschool program for 3, 4, and 5 year olds who are not eligible for kindergarten. You may qualify if you are income eligible or you receive child only Ohio Works First (OWF) assistance, in which case eligibility is not based on the parent’s/ caretaker’s income or employment status. For more information you can call 1-877-OHIOEDU or visit http://www.earlylearningohio.gov/

Action for Children is part of a consortium that offers the Early Learning Initiative in partnership with the YMCA and 35 child care centers in Franklin County. To learn more call 614/224-0222, ext. 125.

Champion of Children is a collaborative effort between the Columbus Montessori Education Center, the Franklin County Commissioners, and the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services. Children from birth through age 5, whose families fall in the gap between receiving public child care assistance and economic self-sufficiency, can currently choose among participating early learning centers in Franklin County that participate in Champion of Children. Champion of Children uses a sliding scale funding model that parallels the economic need of families; limited funds are available. For more information, call Action for Children at 614/224-0222 and ask to speak to a child care resource counselor. To find out when enrollment will be open, contact Champion of Children at 614/231-3790, ext. 22.