Ways To Pay for Daycare
You’ve found child care. Now, how do you pay for it?
Costs for child care programs vary greatly by location, days and hours, the ages and number of children in care, and the type of child care. When you contact us for referrals you will be given information on the average costs of care for your area as well as rates for child care programs that have offered to share them with us. For more customized area rates, please contact our Referral Department at (585) 654-4720.
To assist you in planning and preparing to pay for daycare or childcare services, we’ve provided information on some of the childcare financial aid and assistance programs in place, as well as contact information and further details regarding eligibility, where applicable.
If you have any questions about ways to pay for daycare or need additional guidance, you can always contact Child Care Council for assistance.
Child Care Subsidies
Subsidies are income-based and subject to availability. For more information, contact your local Department of Social Services or complete pre-screening information at www.mybenefits.ny.gov to see if you might be eligible.
Monroe County Department of Human and Health Services
(585) 753-6960
Livingston County Department of Social Services
(585) 243-7300
Wayne County Department of Social Services
(315) 946-4881
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for lower-moderate income working families and individuals. The amount of the credit varies depending on your income and dependents. To learn more about this program, visit the IRS’s website here.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Some employers offer flexible spending accounts, which allow employees to designate pre-tax dollars to use for child care. Ask your human resources department about any child care or related benefits you might be eligible for.
Military Child Care Programs
For information on military childcare financial aid and subsidies, contact Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246.
Additional Information
Income Requirements
There are maximum amounts a family can make and still qualify. Income is only one factor to qualify for childcare financial aid in New York State. Other families may also qualify, based on their specific needs.
For more information about current eligibility guidelines, check out the Child Care Assistance Program through New York State.
Market Rates
Many programs charge the “Market Rates,” rates set by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services roughly every two years. Market Rates provide an idea of county-wide average rates and are used for subsidy reimbursement. View current market rates here.
Community Resources
If you need information about other resources in the community, please reach out to these programs.