How many childcare assistance resources are in Louisiana?

Women's Corner tracks 18 verified childcare assistance resources for women in Louisiana.

Are childcare assistance resources in Louisiana free?

17 of the 18 listed childcare assistance resources in Louisiana are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Louisiana have childcare assistance resources?

Listings span cities including Baton Rouge, New Orleans.

What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in Louisiana?

Featured entries include Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Louisiana Child Care Resource and Referral, Louisiana Quality Start — Child Care Ratings, Louisiana Head Start, LA 4 Pre-K Program.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

9 of 18 Louisiana 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 Louisiana — 18 verified resources

About Childcare Assistance for Women

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.

Childcare Assistance in Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code). Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence serve women.

18 Resources

1. Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — Free

Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program provides subsidized childcare for qualifying low-income working women and families, helping cover the cost of licensed daycare, family childcare homes, and after-school programs. Call 877-826-2288 or visit your local DCFS office to apply. Bring ID, proof of income, proof of employment or school enrollment, and children's birth certificates. Eligibility based on income and work or school status. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. Copayments are income-based and sliding-scale.

877-826-2288 · 627 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Louisiana Child Care Resource and Referral — Free

Louisiana Child Care Resource and Referral provides free assistance to help women find licensed and regulated childcare providers in their area, including infant care, toddler programs, preschool, and after-school care. Call 877-755-2227 to speak with a resource specialist who can match you with available providers near your home or workplace. Service is statewide and available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Specialists can also explain subsidy programs and quality rating information to help you choose the best care option.

877-755-2227 · Statewide Service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Louisiana Quality Start — Child Care Ratings — Free

Louisiana Quality Start is the state's childcare quality rating and improvement system that rates licensed childcare centers and family homes on a 1-4 star scale. Use the online search tool to find quality-rated childcare providers near you by ZIP code, program type, and age served. Higher-rated programs receive recognition and incentives for meeting quality benchmarks. Call 877-755-2227 for help navigating provider options. Quality Start ratings help women make informed childcare choices for their children's development and safety.

877-755-2227 · Statewide Service · Online 24/7

4. Louisiana Head Start — Free

Louisiana Head Start provides free preschool education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for low-income children ages 3-5 and their families. Income eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines. Call 225-342-6700 or use the Head Start center locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov to find your nearest program. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records when enrolling. Programs run during the school year. Early Head Start also available for infants and toddlers.

225-342-6700 · Multiple LA locations · Mon-Fri 8am-3pm · Visit Website

5. LA 4 Pre-K Program — Free

Louisiana LA 4 Pre-K provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for at-risk four-year-olds statewide at public school sites. Eligibility based on risk factors including low income, special needs, or limited English proficiency. Call 225-342-3600 or visit your local school district to enroll. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, and income documentation. Programs run during the regular school year. A strong foundation for children entering kindergarten — completely free for qualifying families.

225-342-3600 · Statewide Locations · School hours · Visit Website

6. Agenda for Children — New Orleans — Free

Agenda for Children in New Orleans is an early childhood advocacy organization providing childcare resources, policy research, and family support connections for New Orleans families. Services include information on childcare options, subsidy navigation, and advocacy for better childcare quality and affordability. Call 504-586-8509 or visit agendaforchildren.org. Located at 8300 Earhart Blvd. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. A trusted resource for New Orleans mothers navigating early childhood education and childcare assistance programs.

504-586-8509 · 8300 Earhart Blvd Suite 201, New Orleans, LA 70118 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. YMCA of the Capital Area — Childcare

YMCA of the Capital Area provides before- and after-school childcare programs and summer day camps at multiple Baton Rouge locations. Programs serve school-age children with structured activities, homework help, and enrichment programs. Call 225-344-4477 or visit ymcabr.org for program listings, enrollment, and fees. Located at multiple Baton Rouge sites. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm during the school year. Sliding-scale financial assistance available for qualifying families. Not free but subsidies may apply.

225-344-4477 · Multiple Baton Rouge locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

8. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana — Free

Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana provides affordable after-school programs and summer camps for children and teens at multiple New Orleans area locations. Programs include homework help, STEM activities, arts, sports, and college readiness. Call 504-571-6900 for membership information and club locations. Membership fees are low and financial assistance is available. Open Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm during the school year. A safe, structured environment for children of working mothers in the New Orleans area.

504-571-6900 · Multiple New Orleans locations · Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm

9. Child Care Aware — National — Free

Child Care Aware of America provides a free national resource connecting parents with local childcare options, quality information, and financial assistance programs. Call 800-424-2246 to speak with a specialist who can help identify childcare subsidies, quality-rated providers, and Head Start programs in your area. Also available at childcareaware.org. Helps women understand childcare costs, evaluate provider quality, and access subsidy applications. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET for phone assistance.

800-424-2246 · National Service · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. ChildCare.gov — Free

ChildCare.gov is the federal hub where women can find quality childcare programs, learn about state subsidy applications, and access information on Head Start, Early Head Start, and CCDBG-funded assistance. Enter your ZIP code to find childcare resources and subsidy contacts in your state. Includes guidance on evaluating childcare quality, health and safety standards, and infant/toddler care. Free to use 24/7 at childcare.gov — no registration required. Covers all ages from infant to school-age.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Office of Child Care (ACF) — Free

The federal Office of Child Care administers the Child Care and Development Fund that provides subsidies to help low-income families pay for childcare in every state. Their website at acf.hhs.gov/occ provides information on state subsidy programs, quality improvement initiatives, and child care licensing standards. Find your state childcare subsidy contact to apply for assistance. A key federal resource for understanding childcare financial aid eligibility and how quality standards are implemented in your state.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Head Start Locator — Free

Head Start is a free federally funded early childhood program serving low-income children ages 3-5 and their families with preschool education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services. Use the center locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov to find your nearest Head Start program. Eligibility is based on income at or below federal poverty guidelines. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records to enroll. Early Head Start available for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Early Head Start — Free

Early Head Start is a federally funded early childhood program serving pregnant women and low-income families with infants and toddlers ages 0-3. Services include home visiting, center-based care, health screenings, developmental support, and parenting education. Income eligibility at or below federal poverty guidelines. Find your nearest program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov. Bring proof of pregnancy or the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and ID. Early Head Start helps women prepare for birth and support healthy infant development.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Child Care Aware of America — Free

Child Care Aware of America at 1-800-424-2246 provides free help finding quality, affordable childcare including referrals to licensed providers, information on state subsidies, and guidance on evaluating childcare quality. Specialists can explain the childcare subsidy application process, Head Start enrollment, and what to look for in a quality childcare setting. Also accessible at childcareaware.org. Available Mon-Fri for phone assistance. A practical first call for mothers trying to navigate childcare options and costs.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Zero to Three — Free

Zero to Three provides free evidence-based resources for parents and caregivers on infant and toddler development from birth to age 3. Topics include sleep, behavior, language development, bonding, and supporting children through family transitions like separation or divorce. Access articles, videos, and developmental guides at zerotothree.org — no registration required. A trusted source for mothers seeking to understand and support their baby or toddler's healthy growth. Also useful for grandmothers and caregivers raising young children.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program — Free

USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program reimburses licensed childcare providers for nutritious meals served to children in their care. Parents should look for CACFP-participating providers as an indicator of program quality and nutrition standards. Find information on participating providers and how to check compliance at fns.usda.gov/cacfp. Helps ensure children in licensed childcare settings receive healthy meals and snacks at no additional cost to families. Participating providers receive reimbursement for qualifying meals.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. Boys & Girls Clubs of America — Free

Boys and Girls Clubs of America provides safe, affordable after-school and summer programs for children ages 6-18 at nearly 4,700 clubs nationwide. Programs include homework help, STEM activities, arts, sports, and college readiness. Annual membership is typically $5-$50. Find your nearest club at bgca.org. Financial assistance available at most locations. A trusted, structured environment for the children of working women who need reliable, affordable supervision and enrichment activities after school and during summer.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

18. National Association for Family Child Care — Free

The National Association for Family Child Care supports quality home-based childcare through accreditation, professional development, and a provider directory to help parents find accredited family childcare providers. Search at nafcc.org for accredited home-based providers in your area. NAFCC-accredited providers meet rigorous standards for safety, child development, and family engagement. A helpful resource for mothers seeking small, home-like childcare environments rather than large center-based programs for their infants and toddlers.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many childcare assistance resources are in Louisiana?: Women's Corner tracks 18 verified childcare assistance resources for women in Louisiana.
Are childcare assistance resources in Louisiana free?: 17 of the 18 listed childcare assistance resources in Louisiana are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Louisiana have childcare assistance resources?: Listings span cities including Baton Rouge, New Orleans.
What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in Louisiana?: Featured entries include Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Louisiana Child Care Resource and Referral, Louisiana Quality Start — Child Care Ratings, Louisiana Head Start, LA 4 Pre-K Program.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 9 of 18 Louisiana 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.