CHILDCARECOST · NOTES

Blog

How to read the childcare price data, what the benchmarks mean, and notes from building a public reference for families.

POLICY & PROGRAMS · BUDGETING
Emergency Childcare Assistance: TANF Diversion, United Way, and Local Crisis Grants
Explore emergency childcare grants, TANF diversion cash payments, United Way crisis funds, and temporary bridge subsidies for families facing sudden hardships.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 9, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS
Tribal Child Care and Development Fund Programs: Eligibility and Native Family Assistance
Learn how Tribal CCDF programs provide early childhood funding, culturally responsive care, and copay waivers for American Indian and Alaska Native families.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 8, 2026
BUDGETING
Holding an Infant Daycare Spot During Maternity Leave: Paying Full Tuition While Unpaid
Learn how holding fees work during maternity leave, why centers charge full tuition before infants attend, and financial strategies to manage overlapping costs.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 7, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS · BUDGETING
Childcare for Children with Disabilities: IDEA Part C, ADA Accommodations, and Extra Costs
Learn federal rights under the ADA prohibiting childcare surcharges, early intervention services under IDEA Part C, and funding for specialized aides.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 6, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS · COST DATA
Universal Pre-K: How State-Funded Preschool Changes Family Budgets
Analyze how state universal pre-K programs save families $8,000 to $18,000 annually, remaining wraparound care gaps, and effects on infant tuition.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 5, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS · BUDGETING
The Childcare Benefit Cliff: How a Small Raise Can Eliminate State Subsidies
Understand the childcare benefit cliff, how a minor pay increase can trigger thousands of dollars in lost subsidies, and state mitigation policies.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 5, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS · BUDGETING
Childcare Grants for College Students: CCAMPIS and Campus Centers
Discover college childcare grants, federal CCAMPIS program awards, on-campus early learning centers, and financial aid dependent care adjustments.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 4, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS · BUDGETING
Military Childcare Subsidies: DoD Fee Assistance, CDC Priority, and MCCYN
Learn how military childcare subsidies work, Department of Defense CDC fee categories, off-base fee assistance through MCCYN, and priority placement rules.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 3, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS
Head Start and Early Head Start: Income Guidelines and Priority Categories
Learn Head Start and Early Head Start income eligibility rules, categorical enrollment criteria for SNAP and SSI, and comprehensive zero-cost services.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 2, 2026
POLICY & PROGRAMS · COST DATA
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Income Limits and Sliding Scales by State
Understand Child Care and Development Fund income eligibility rules, state median income limits, copay sliding scales, and the federal 7% copay cap.
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · October 1, 2026

Emergency Childcare Assistance: TANF Diversion, United Way, and Local Crisis Grants

Tribal Child Care and Development Fund Programs: Eligibility and Native Family Assistance

Holding an Infant Daycare Spot During Maternity Leave: Paying Full Tuition While Unpaid

Childcare for Children with Disabilities: IDEA Part C, ADA Accommodations, and Extra Costs

Universal Pre-K: How State-Funded Preschool Changes Family Budgets

The Childcare Benefit Cliff: How a Small Raise Can Eliminate State Subsidies

Childcare Grants for College Students: CCAMPIS and Campus Centers

Military Childcare Subsidies: DoD Fee Assistance, CDC Priority, and MCCYN

Head Start and Early Head Start: Income Guidelines and Priority Categories

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Income Limits and Sliding Scales by State