How many childcare assistance resources are in Alabama?

Women's Corner tracks 16 verified childcare assistance resources for women in Alabama.

Are childcare assistance resources in Alabama free?

15 of the 16 listed childcare assistance resources in Alabama are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Alabama have childcare assistance resources?

Listings span cities including Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile.

What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in Alabama?

Featured entries include Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program, Alabama Child Care Resource and Referral, Alabama Head Start, Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity — Childcare, YMCA of Greater Birmingham — Childcare.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

7 of 16 Alabama childcare assistance listings include verified phone numbers.

How do I get help paying for daycare?

Apply for CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) subsidies through your state's child care assistance agency — eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income for working or in-school parents. Wait lists exist in some states. Head Start (ages 3–5) and Early Head Start (0–3) are free for income-qualifying families and include education, meals, and family services.

What's the difference between Head Start and daycare?

Head Start is a free federally-funded program for low-income kids ages 3–5 that includes early education, free meals, health and dental screenings, and parent involvement — typically 3–6 hours/day during the school year. Daycare/CCDF subsidies cover full-day, year-round care at licensed providers. Many families use both: Head Start morning + wrap-around CCDF-funded daycare.

Can I get childcare while I'm in school or job training?

Yes — CCDF subsidies cover parents in education and job training programs, not just employed parents. The CCAMPIS federal program funds free on-campus childcare at hundreds of colleges. WIOA-enrolled trainees often receive childcare support through their American Job Center case manager. TANF includes childcare as part of work activities.

Are there options for night-shift or weekend childcare?

Limited but growing. Search Child Care Aware (1-800-424-2246) for 'non-traditional hours' providers in your state. Some states have specific non-traditional-hour subsidies. Family Child Care homes are often more flexible than centers. The military Child Care Aware program serves National Guard, Reserve, and DoD-eligible families with 24/7 backup care.

Best Childcare Assistance in Alabama — 16 verified resources

About Childcare Assistance

Childcare assistance for mothers is delivered primarily through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG/CCDF), Head Start, Early Head Start, and state pre-K. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services) and help families pay for licensed care while parents work, attend school, or participate in training — eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3 plus pregnant women. Child Care Aware (1-800-424-2246) and state Resource & Referral agencies match families to providers. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, Head Start programs, and R&R agencies.

16 Resources

1. Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program — Free

Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program helps low-income working women and families afford licensed childcare for children from birth through age 12. Call 866-528-1694 or visit your local DHR office to apply. Income must be at or below state guidelines. Bring proof of income, employment, and children's birth certificates. Subsidies are paid directly to participating licensed providers. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

866-528-1694 · 50 N Ripley St, Montgomery, AL 36130 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Alabama Child Care Resource and Referral — Free

Alabama's Child Care Resource and Referral service provides free help to women searching for licensed childcare providers, including daycare centers, family childcare homes, and after-school programs. Call 888-227-3468 to speak with a specialist who can match your location, schedule, and budget with available licensed providers. Also provides consumer education on evaluating childcare quality. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

888-227-3468 · Statewide Service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Alabama Head Start — Free

Alabama Head Start programs offer free comprehensive preschool education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for income-qualifying children ages 3-5. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children birth to 3. Call 334-242-8600 or visit children.alabama.gov to find a program near you. Bring proof of income and children's birth certificates and immunization records to enrollment. Mon-Fri 8am-3pm.

334-242-8600 · Multiple AL locations · Mon-Fri 8am-3pm · Visit Website

4. Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity — Childcare — Free

JCCEO provides Head Start and Early Head Start programs for qualifying families in Jefferson County, offering free preschool education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support. Call 205-327-7500 or visit jcceo.org for enrollment information. Located at 300 8th Ave W, Birmingham. Bring proof of income, children's birth certificates, and immunization records. Program hours Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm.

205-327-7500 · 300 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm · Visit Website

5. YMCA of Greater Birmingham — Childcare

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham offers before and after school care, full-day childcare, and summer programs at multiple Birmingham-area locations. Financial assistance is available for qualifying low-income families, and the YMCA accepts childcare subsidy vouchers. Call 205-320-3200 or visit ymcabham.org for program information and enrollment. Programs run Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm. Ages served vary by location.

205-320-3200 · Multiple Birmingham locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

6. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama — Free

Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama provide affordable after-school programs, summer camps, and youth development activities for children in the Birmingham area. Programs cover academic support, healthy lifestyles, and character building. Financial assistance and subsidy vouchers are accepted. Call 205-320-2820 for enrollment information. Located at 2301 6th Ave N, Birmingham. Clubs open Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm during school year.

205-320-2820 · 2301 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 · Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm

7. Community Action Head Start — Mobile — Free

Community Action Agency of South Alabama's Head Start provides free early childhood education and comprehensive family services for income-qualifying children ages 3-5 in Mobile. Program includes health screenings, nutrition, and parent involvement components. Call 251-457-5700 for enrollment information. Located in Mobile. Bring proof of income and children's records to enrollment. Program runs Mon-Fri 8am-3pm.

251-457-5700 · Mobile, AL 36617 · Mon-Fri 8am-3pm · Visit Website

8. ChildCare.gov — Free

ChildCare.gov is the federal hub where women can find quality childcare, learn about financial assistance options, and understand state subsidy programs. The site links to state childcare resource agencies, offers consumer guides on choosing quality care, and explains Child Care and Development Fund subsidies. Visit childcare.gov to start your search. Free to use online 24/7.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. Office of Child Care (ACF) — Free

The federal Office of Child Care administers the Child Care and Development Fund, which provides childcare subsidies to low-income working families in every state. Visit acf.hhs.gov/occ to find your state childcare agency, learn about eligibility requirements, and access information on quality improvement programs. States set their own income limits and co-pay structures. Free to access online 24/7.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Head Start Locator — Free

The federal Head Start program provides free, comprehensive early childhood education and family services for low-income children ages birth to 5 and pregnant women. Use the center locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator to find a program near you. Eligibility is based on income and family circumstances. Programs provide full-day or part-day options. Enroll by contacting your local program directly.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Early Head Start — Free

Early Head Start is a federally funded program providing comprehensive early childhood development services and family support for pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers ages birth to 3. Services include home visits, center-based childcare, parent education, and health screenings. Income eligibility required. Find your nearest program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator. Free to qualifying families.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Child Care Aware of America — Free

Child Care Aware of America provides free help finding quality, affordable childcare through their national helpline at 1-800-424-2246. Specialists connect women with local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies that maintain updated lists of licensed providers. The website also offers guides on evaluating childcare quality, understanding subsidy programs, and finding infant care. Call Mon-Fri during business hours.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Zero to Three — Free

Zero to Three provides research-based resources for parents and caregivers on early childhood development from birth to age 3. Their website at zerotothree.org offers free guides on developmental milestones, behavior challenges, sleep, feeding, and supporting learning at home. New mothers can also find information on infant mental health, attachment, and finding quality infant care programs. Free to access online.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program — Free

The USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program reimburses licensed childcare providers and family daycare homes for nutritious meals served to children in their care. When choosing a childcare provider, ask if they participate in CACFP — it ensures children receive balanced meals and the provider receives federal nutrition support. Visit fns.usda.gov/cacfp for information on participating providers near you.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Boys & Girls Clubs of America — Free

Boys and Girls Clubs of America provide safe, affordable after-school and summer programs for children ages 6-18 at 4,700+ locations nationwide. Programs cover academic support, career exploration, healthy lifestyles, and leadership. Annual membership fees are minimal and financial assistance is available. Visit bgca.org to find your nearest club, learn about programs, and enroll your child. Most clubs are open after school through evening.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. National Association for Family Child Care — Free

The National Association for Family Child Care supports quality home-based childcare and helps parents find accredited family childcare providers. NAFCC-accredited homes meet high standards for health, safety, learning, and professional development. Visit nafcc.org to search for accredited family childcare providers in your area and access a parent guide on evaluating home-based care quality. Free to search online.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many childcare assistance resources are in Alabama?: Women's Corner tracks 16 verified childcare assistance resources for women in Alabama.
Are childcare assistance resources in Alabama free?: 15 of the 16 listed childcare assistance resources in Alabama are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Alabama have childcare assistance resources?: Listings span cities including Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile.
What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in Alabama?: Featured entries include Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program, Alabama Child Care Resource and Referral, Alabama Head Start, Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity — Childcare, YMCA of Greater Birmingham — Childcare.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 7 of 16 Alabama childcare assistance listings include verified phone numbers.
How do I get help paying for daycare?: Apply for CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) subsidies through your state's child care assistance agency — eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income for working or in-school parents. Wait lists exist in some states. Head Start (ages 3–5) and Early Head Start (0–3) are free for income-qualifying families and include education, meals, and family services.
What's the difference between Head Start and daycare?: Head Start is a free federally-funded program for low-income kids ages 3–5 that includes early education, free meals, health and dental screenings, and parent involvement — typically 3–6 hours/day during the school year. Daycare/CCDF subsidies cover full-day, year-round care at licensed providers. Many families use both: Head Start morning + wrap-around CCDF-funded daycare.
Can I get childcare while I'm in school or job training?: Yes — CCDF subsidies cover parents in education and job training programs, not just employed parents. The CCAMPIS federal program funds free on-campus childcare at hundreds of colleges. WIOA-enrolled trainees often receive childcare support through their American Job Center case manager. TANF includes childcare as part of work activities.
Are there options for night-shift or weekend childcare?: Limited but growing. Search Child Care Aware (1-800-424-2246) for 'non-traditional hours' providers in your state. Some states have specific non-traditional-hour subsidies. Family Child Care homes are often more flexible than centers. The military Child Care Aware program serves National Guard, Reserve, and DoD-eligible families with 24/7 backup care.