Child Care Assistance in Minnesota

Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program is meant to assist in-need families. The program’s goal is to provide quality care for eligible children while their parents are working or at school. Each family is responsible for a co-pay, meaning they must cover a portion of the child care costs. The co-pay is based on family size and annual income. Minnesota will help children through the age of 12, and those with special needs through 14 years old. Depending on the location, there are maximum reimbursement amounts in place.To learn more, visit Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program.

How to get started:
To get started in the enrollment process, find the programs in your area by using the online Head Start Locator.

Many programs use the Federal Poverty Line as a guide for financial assistance with child care. If your annual income is at or below the poverty line, you may qualify for financial help. These are the guidelines:

• A family of 1 must make less than $11,490 per year.


• A family of 2 must make less than $15,510 per year.


• A family of 3 must make less than $19,530 per year.


• A family of 4 must make less than $23,550 per year.


• A family of 5 must make less than $27,570 per year.


• A family of 6 must make less than $31,590 per year.


• A family of 7 must make less than $35,610 per year.


• A family of 8 must make less than $39,630 per year.