Child Care Assistance in Tennessee

The Department of Human Services is devoted to helping residents of Tennessee afford the costly expenses of child care. Families First Child Care Assistance is automatically available to those who already participate in the Family First program and need child care in order to work or enroll in an educational program. After cases with Families First Child Care Assistance are closed, the state of Tennessee provides Transitional Child Care Assistance to help make the transition from the program as smooth as possible. This opportunity can last up to 18 months after a family’s Family First case is closed. At risk children may still be eligible for the program if someone other than their parents is caring for them. There is also help available for teen moms called Teen Child Care Assistance. To learn more about Tennessee’s programs, visit Child Care-Financial Assistance.

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.