Supporting Your Childcare Needs

Thank you so much for participating in our Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot Program. We appreciated the opportunity to hear your voice on our survey, and wanted to offer additional resources to support you, as you indicated an interest in learning more about childcare supports.

Please note: we have no direct affiliation with any of these supports, so we do not profit in any way from your engagement with them and cannot verify program specifics. We will be interested in your feedback on what you find most useful!  

What are Head Start and Early Head Start?

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children under five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Early Head Start programs serve infants, toddlers and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.

What is On My Way Pre-K?

On My Way Pre-K is Indiana’s state-funded program that provides free, high-quality Pre-K to 4-year-old children from income-eligible families. It helps prepare children for kindergarten by supporting their early learning in approved public schools, private centers, ministries, and licensed homes. You can apply for the program and learn more about eligibility and offerings using the link below. 

What assistance is there for child care?

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program that helps low-income families pay for childcare so parents can work, go to school, or attend training. This program also makes childcare more available, affordable, and improves quality for families. There currently is a waitlist to receive childcare assistance. While on this waitlist, you will receive updates about your status and access other resources that might be helpful to you in the interim.

Overwhelmed with applications?

Brighter Futures Indiana has set up a one-stop form that you can fill out to find out more about your affordable childcare options. In partnership with 211, there is an estimated 3-day response time for households that fill out the form. It is possible that there are further wait times beyond this, however, this will likely vary on a case-by-case basis. 

What about employer-provided childcare?

Some employers pay for childcare costs through Tri-Share+ and Co-Share programs. The Northeast Indiana Early Child Coalition breaks down eligibility for both programs and how to register.

How can I find childcare on my route to work?

Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration online tool lets you input your childcare needs, provider requirements, and location restrictions, to find childcare that is convenient to you!

Can I easily search childcare providers by different criteria?

Yes! In addition to the resource above, the Early Learning Marketplace offers a user-friendly portal that lets you view availability and claim seats in real time. 

Is there any extra assistance for veterans needing support with childcare?

Child Care Aware works nationwide to offer current military families and families of veterans access to fee assistance for childcare. 

You can also check out resources provided by the VA Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO). 

What about childcare for school-age children after school and during summers?

The Indiana After School Network offers resources to help you find and register your child for an age-appropriate after-school or summer childcare program. 

What about mental health support?

Northeastern Center offers a range of group therapy, family therapy, and wraparound case management services. They accept Medicare and Medicaid, and offer fee assistance based on family size and income. 

For emergencies, Zoey's Place has a list of active hotlines and resources for a range of situations, including legal support, mental health crises, and situations of abuse. 

Are there any supports for older children?

You and your child may be eligible to additional financial support if they have a long-term disability through SSDI funding from the government. This booklet explains more.

If you have an older child who could use more community and mentorship, there are also programs available through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. 

What is a Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit helps families with qualifying children get a tax break. You may be able to claim the credit even if you don't normally file a tax return.

You can learn more about the Child Tax Credit from the IRS webpage online--a little goes a long way in offering some relief!