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.
New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, Sanctuary for Families, NYLAG, and the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence serve women.
New York Child Care Subsidy Program is the go-to childcare resource in the New York area for subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Phone (800) 342-3009 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.
(800) 342-3009 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
NYC 3-K for All works with women across New York on subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Phone (718) 935-2009 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Open Mon-Fri school hours — confirm by phone before driving in. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.
(718) 935-2009 · NYC program · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website
NYC Pre-K for All is a New York childcare resource helping mothers with subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Dial (718) 935-2009 for an initial conversation about your situation. Available Mon-Fri school hours; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.
(718) 935-2009 · NYC program · Mon-Fri school hours · Visit Website
New York Head Start works with women across New York on subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Phone (800) 342-3009 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm — confirm by phone before driving in. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.
(800) 342-3009 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Based in New York, YMCA of Greater NY — Childcare supports New York women navigating subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Call (212) 630-9600 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Available Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Paid service with sliding-scale or insurance billing for qualifying women.
(212) 630-9600 · Multiple NYC locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website
Federal hub for finding quality child care, financial assistance, and learning about state subsidies for working mothers and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal office administering Child Care and Development Fund. Subsidies and quality programs in every state for working mothers and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free, federally funded preschool for low-income families with children 0-5. Find a program near you. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federally funded early childhood program for pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
1-800-424-2246 — free help finding quality, affordable childcare in your community for working mothers and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Resources for parents and professionals on early childhood development from birth to age 3 for working mothers and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
CACFP — federal program reimbursing childcare providers for nutritious meals served to children for working mothers and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Safe, affordable after-school and summer programs for children ages 6-18 nationwide for working mothers and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NAFCC — supporting quality home-based childcare and helping parents find accredited family providers. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for working mothers and families who need vetted, plain-language information on subsidized childcare placement, after-school programs, preschool, and provider referrals. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website