Help Paying for Child Care

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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.

Need help with child care? Click here for more information on the Women's Caring Program.

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

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.

Rural Child Care

Finding reliable and affordable child care is sometimes a challenge for rural working families. Click here for information on rural child care at the Rural Assistance Center.

Contact Child Care Resources for information in the nine southwestern counties of Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.

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.