How many childcare assistance resources are in North Carolina?

Women's Corner tracks 12 childcare assistance resources for women in North Carolina.

Are childcare assistance resources in North Carolina free?

10 of the 12 listed childcare assistance resources in North Carolina are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in North Carolina have childcare assistance resources?

Resources serve multiple cities and counties in North Carolina.

What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in North Carolina?

Featured entries include NC Star Rated License (Quality Rating), YMCA of Greater Charlotte — Childcare, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte, ChildCare.gov, Office of Child Care (ACF).

Do these listings include phone numbers?

3 of 12 North Carolina childcare assistance listings include 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 North Carolina — 12 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 North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina and the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) serve women statewide.

12 Resources

1. NC Star Rated License (Quality Rating) — Free

NC Star Rated License (Quality Rating) serves women in North Carolina and surrounding North Carolina communities with subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Call (919) 814-6300 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Service hours run Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; ask about after-hours options if needed. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(919) 814-6300 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. YMCA of Greater Charlotte — Childcare

YMCA of Greater Charlotte — Childcare provides subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements for women in North Carolina. Phone (704) 716-6200 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Hours are Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Fees may apply — sliding-scale, insurance, or self-pay options are typically available.

(704) 716-6200 · Multiple Charlotte locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte is the go-to childcare resource in the North Carolina area for subsidies, voucher programs, Head Start, and early-learning placements. Reach the team at (704) 335-0694 to schedule a screening. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-8pm — confirm by phone before driving in. Costs vary by service; ask about sliding-scale rates or insurance coverage.

(704) 335-0694 · Multiple Charlotte locations · Mon-Fri 2pm-8pm

4. ChildCare.gov — Free

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

5. Office of Child Care (ACF) — Free

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

6. Head Start Locator — Free

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

7. Early Head Start — Free

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

8. Child Care Aware of America — Free

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

9. Zero to Three — Free

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

10. USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program — Free

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

11. Boys & Girls Clubs of America — Free

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

12. National Association for Family Child Care — Free

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

Frequently Asked

How many childcare assistance resources are in North Carolina?: Women's Corner tracks 12 childcare assistance resources for women in North Carolina.
Are childcare assistance resources in North Carolina free?: 10 of the 12 listed childcare assistance resources in North Carolina are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in North Carolina have childcare assistance resources?: Resources serve multiple cities and counties in North Carolina.
What are some examples of childcare assistance resources in North Carolina?: Featured entries include NC Star Rated License (Quality Rating), YMCA of Greater Charlotte — Childcare, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte, ChildCare.gov, Office of Child Care (ACF).
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 3 of 12 North Carolina childcare assistance listings include 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.