Child Care Financial Assistance Programs
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program
Wisconsin Shares is a financial assistance program for low-income families living in Wisconsin. Children must be U.S. citizens, but parents do not need to be U.S. citizens to be eligible. Use the State’s online application tool (ACCESS) to check eligibility, apply, and check eligibility for other state programs like FoodShare.
Head Start
Head Start programs are available at little or no cost for families who meet enrollment guidelines. Programs include full-day, part-day, and home-based options for children from birth to 5 years of age. Call (608) 267-6740 to find out about specific programs in your area, to determine your eligibility, and to enroll your child. Citizenship not required for parents or children to apply.
City of Madison Child Care Program
This program has a low acceptance rate. You must first be denied by the Wisconsin Shares Program before you can apply for the City of Madison Program. This program provides financial assistance for parents living in Madison who are working, looking for work, or going to school. Parents may also qualify if their child has special needs or if they have a family crisis.
Services & Parent Resources
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC helps Wisconsin families, including dads and other caregivers, by providing breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care to pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and children up to age five.
Babies & Beyond
Babies & Beyond offers a collection of free services and resources to help support expecting mothers and families with young children, ages 0 to 4 years old.
More Resources
See this page for campus resources students parents, and community resources for any UW parents seeking additional financial assistance options (food security, utilities, housing, emergency resources, etc.)
More Child Care Financial Assistance Options
Child Tax Credit
Find out if you are eligible to claim the Child and Dependent Care credit.
Child Care Aware America
Fee Assistance and Respite Child Care Programs for military families.
Human Resource Department where you or your spouse is employed
Talk with the Human Resource Department where you work. Ask if the employer offers a flexible spending account and if child care is included. If so, you can have your child care expenses deducted from your paycheck before taxes.
Community Groups
Some community groups offer scholarships or reduced fees for income eligible members. Check your faith community, child care centers, neighborhood centers and your school or parent/teacher organization.