3.2 Financial Assistance
Let the experts at Quality Care for Children help you determine if you could be eligible for financial assistance.
Eligibility is based on factors including income level, employment status, and residency. There are currently several types of financial assistance available in the state of Georgia:
CAPS Program
The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program is operated by the Department of Family and Children Services. Designed to help low income families afford quality child care, it is available in every county in the state of Georgia (based on the availability of funding).
- Subsidized child care is available for children birth - 13 years old. (This can be extended to age 18 if the child has special needs.)
- Parents or guardians may qualify to participate in the CAPS program if they have limited income and need child care to work, attend school, or attend training.
- Participants in the CAPS program still select their own child care provider. The CAPS program will reimburse authorized child care providers directly, up to a pre-determined amount.
- Most eligible families share in the cost of care by paying a fee based on their income and family size. You can find more specific details about CAPS program eligibility here.
Georgia Pre-K
The Georgia Pre-K program is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. Children 4 years of age on September 1 of the current school year are eligible (parents must be Georgia citizens).
Because participation in the program is voluntary (NO COST) for both families and communities, there may not be enough space for every four year old to attend.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start (3 years - 5 years) and Early Head Start (birth - 3 years) are federally-funded and comprehensive child development programs that serve children from birth to five, pregnant women, and their families.
This program is at NO COST for most families whose incomes meet federal poverty guidelines. Children receive free medical and dental care, as well as healthy meals and snacks.
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
You may be able to lower your taxes and even get up to several thousands dollars back if you qualify for the EITC. To qualify you must be working full-time or part-time and make less than a certain amount based upon family size. You don’t have to owe any taxes to get the EITC.
Federal Child Tax Credit
If you have a dependent child under the age 17, you may be eligible to get the Child Tax Credit, which can be worth hundreds of dollars per child. The income limit for the CTC is much higher than for the Earned Income Tax Credit, but you still don’t have to owe taxes to get the Child Tax Credit.
Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
If you have a child under 13, and owe federal income taxes, this tax credit can help cover a portion or all of the taxes you owe if you qualify.
Multi-Child Discount, Sliding Scale, or Scholarships
Many child care providers will be willing to work with you. They may provide discounts for the enrollment of multiple children, offer a sliding scale, or have scholarships available.
Employer/College Support
Many employers (or colleges, if you are a student) provide child care scholarships, discounts to certain programs, or on-site child care at reduced rates.
Still have questions? Talk to a child care expert now. Call 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (1-877-255-4254).
- Subsidized child care is available for children birth - 13 years old. (This can be extended to age 18 if the child has special needs.)
- Parents or guardians may qualify to participate in the CAPS program if they have limited income and need child care to work, attend school, or attend training.
- Participants in the CAPS program still select their own child care provider. The CAPS program will reimburse authorized child care providers directly, up to a pre-determined amount.
- Most eligible families share in the cost of care by paying a fee based on their income and family size. You can find more specific details about CAPS program eligibility here.
