Child Care Assistance in North Carolina

Residents of North Carolina seeking financial assistance with child care may qualify for North Carolina’s Division of Child Development’s subsidized child care services. The program uses both federal and state funding to provide care assistance for each county. Eligibility for care assistance in North Carolina depends on the family’s financial situation, whether the parents or guardians or employed or enrolled in an educational or training program, if the family is already enrolled in some form of welfare program and the child’s age or developmental needs. Those already receiving Work First Family Assistance are excellent candidates. Parents must pay part of the care services, but the percentage may range from eight to 10 percent, depending on the household income. To learn more, visit the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.

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.