Help Paying for Child Care

Saturday, September 04, 2010

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Cost of Child Care

Child Care is a large part of a families budget.

The average cost of care in our Southwest Region of Michigan is:

in a Family/Group home, full time infant/toddler = $115 per week, Preschool = $111 per week

in a Center, full time infant/toddler = $160 per week, Preschool = $133 per week

For an average of your county call 800-343-3470 for more information.

Making Child Care more Affordable

Working parents who meet income guidelines may be eligible for the Child Development and Care (CDC) Assistance program through the Department of Human Services (DHS). This subsidy pays a portion of the child care cost for parents who use licensed centers, family and group day care homes, approved in-home day care aides and relatives care providers.

CDC Application and other forms

Helpful links:

Parent tutorial

Parent Record form (DHS -641)

Parent PIN reset instructions

Other help

Child Care Commitment Grants

This grant may help pay for child care expenses of low and moderate income families but you must be denied child care assistance from DHS (CDC) before applying . To learn more about this grant and get an application, call 248-415-1442.

Dependent Care Assistance Programs
Some employers offer Dependent Care Assistance programs that allow you to have money (up to $5,000 a year) deducted from your paycheck for child care, tax-free. Ask your employer to consider this program if they don’t currently offer it.

Great Start Readiness Program and Head Start, which are free to families meeting eligibility guidelines, are preschool programs that help children get ready for school. Call Child Care Resources for a list of these programs or contact your local school district 1-800-343-3470.

Tax Credits for Families

The National Women's Law Center annual publication regarding tax breaks for working parents. Check it out!

Tax Credits
Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependant Care Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
Call 1-800-829-1040 or visit http://www.irs.gov for more information.

Child Care Budgeting Tool

ChildCareAware Budgeting Your Child Care Options: The Child Care Aware Budgeting Child Care Options calculator allows families to examine their financial situation both with and without the cost of child care.