13 Resources
Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care subsidy program helps qualifying low-income working families pay for childcare. Women can apply through their county ODJFS office. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/school status. Bring photo ID, proof of income, childcare provider information, and work/school schedules to your appointment. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to start the application.
(877) 644-6338 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Ohio's child care quality rating system that helps parents find high-quality, state-rated childcare providers. Women can search for Step Up To Quality-rated providers by location and rating level on the ODJFS website. Higher-rated providers offer better developmental programming. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to get help finding a quality-rated provider near you.
(877) 644-6338 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
YMCA of Central Ohio provides before and after school childcare, full-day childcare, and summer camps at multiple Columbus-area locations. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families. Women can enroll their children and apply for YMCA scholarship programs. Call Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm or visit ymcacolumbus.org for enrollment information and current availability.
(614) 224-1142 · Multiple Columbus locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website
Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland provides affordable after-school and summer programs at multiple Cleveland locations for youth ages 6-18. Programs include academic tutoring, arts, sports, career exploration, and leadership development. Financial assistance and sliding-scale memberships available. Call (216) 432-2000 to find the nearest club and enrollment information.
(216) 432-2000 · Multiple Cleveland locations · Mon-Fri 2pm-8pm
Federal hub for finding quality childcare, financial assistance, and learning about state subsidy programs. Women can use the site to search for licensed childcare providers, understand quality rating systems, and learn about Child Care and Development Fund subsidies in their state. Visit childcare.gov anytime for free resources and a state-by-state subsidy program directory.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal office administering the Child Care and Development Fund which supports subsidized childcare for low-income families in every state. Women can learn about eligibility requirements, find their state childcare program, and access policy information at acf.hhs.gov/occ. The site provides comprehensive information on accessing affordable, quality childcare options.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free federally funded early education and family support program for children ages 3-5 from low-income families. Head Start provides preschool, health screenings, meals, and family services. Women can find a Head Start program near them using the center locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov. Income guidelines apply; contact the local program to apply and get on the waitlist.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federally funded early childhood program for pregnant women and low-income families with infants and toddlers ages 0-3. Provides developmental services, health screenings, nutritious meals, parenting education, and family support. Find a local Early Head Start program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov. Income eligibility applies; contact the local program to apply and schedule an enrollment meeting.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free national resource helping families find quality, affordable childcare. Call 1-800-424-2246 or visit childcareaware.org to be connected with your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. Specialists help women navigate childcare options, understand subsidy programs, and find providers that accept childcare vouchers. Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Leading organization providing free resources for parents and professionals on early childhood development from birth to age 3. Women can access developmental milestone guides, parenting articles, and expert advice on infant and toddler care at zerotothree.org. Resources cover sleep, language, social-emotional development, and how to support healthy brain development in the first years of life.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
CACFP is a federal program reimbursing childcare providers, Head Start programs, and afterschool programs for nutritious meals served to children. Families benefit indirectly as enrolled childcare providers can offer healthy meals at low or no cost. Visit fns.usda.gov/cacfp to find CACFP-participating childcare providers near you for higher-quality meal programs.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National network of safe, affordable after-school and summer programs for children ages 6-18. Clubs provide academic support, arts, sports, health and wellness, and career programs. Low-cost memberships with financial assistance available. Women can find their nearest club at bgca.org and inquire about enrollment, programming, and scholarship opportunities.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NAFCC supports quality home-based childcare through accreditation standards and helps parents find NAFCC-accredited family childcare providers near them. Women can search the accredited provider directory at nafcc.org to find high-quality home-based childcare that meets national standards for health, safety, and developmental programming for children.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website