Child care costs represent a significant financial burden for working families, often consuming a large portion of their income. For families with limited financial resources, these expenses can be particularly overwhelming, sometimes exceeding 30% of their take-home pay. Recognizing this challenge, subsidized child care programs play a crucial role in enabling parents to participate in the workforce or pursue educational opportunities, thereby fostering self-sufficiency and family stability. The Family Guidance Center is dedicated to providing crucial family guidance and support in this area, annually assisting over 5,000 families across 18 counties in accessing vital child care subsidies. These services are available within the following regions:
Dothan Region:
Barbour, Coffee, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties.
Montgomery Region:
Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Chilton, Covington, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, and Wilcox counties.
What is Subsidized Child Care Assistance?
Subsidized child care, also known as child care financial assistance, is designed to help eligible parents manage the costs of child care. This crucial support is funded through a combination of federal and state resources and is administered locally by organizations like the Family Guidance Center and other Child Care Management Programs. These programs empower families by allowing them to choose the child care arrangement that best suits their unique needs and preferences. For those seeking more information on selecting the right care, resources such as the ‘Choosing Child Care’ pamphlet (available for download below) offer valuable family guidance and support.
Determining Eligibility for Child Care Subsidies
To qualify for subsidized child care, families must meet specific criteria designed to ensure that assistance reaches those with the greatest need. Eligibility requirements are structured to support low-income working families and those pursuing education. The primary criteria are as follows:
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Residency within Designated Counties: The parent or legal guardian must reside in one of the counties served by the Family Guidance Center. These counties are divided into two regions for administrative purposes:
- Dothan Region: Including Barbour, Coffee, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties.
- Montgomery Region: Encompassing Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Chilton, Covington, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, and Wilcox counties.
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Employment or Enrollment in an Educational Program: Applicants must be actively employed or participating in an approved educational program. This requirement underscores the program’s goal of supporting parents in their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency through work or education. Allowable educational programs can include vocational training, GED programs, or higher education pursuits that contribute to long-term career advancement.
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Income Eligibility Based on Family Size: Household income must fall within established limits, which are determined by family size. These income thresholds are set to ensure that subsidies are directed to families who genuinely require financial assistance to afford quality child care. The specific income limits are detailed in the section below.
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Referral from Support Agencies: In certain circumstances, families may be referred to the Child Care Management Program by agencies such as the Department of Human Resources (DHR) JOBS program, Protective Services, or Foster Care Units. These referrals acknowledge families facing unique challenges and ensure access to child care support as part of a broader family guidance and support network.
Understanding Allowable Income Limits for Subsidized Care
The income assessment for child care subsidy eligibility is based on gross income, with no deductions permitted. This means that the total income before taxes and other withholdings is considered. Family income encompasses various sources, including wages from employment, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, and other forms of regular income. To calculate monthly income, weekly gross income is multiplied by a factor of 4.333 to standardize income reporting across different pay schedules.
The current income limits are structured as follows, based on family size:
- Family of 2 – $2,958
- Family of 3 – $3,729
- Family of 4 – $4,500
- Family of 5 – $5,271
- Family of 6 – $6,042
- Family of 7 – $6,813
- Family of 8 or more – $7,584
These income thresholds are subject to periodic adjustments, so it is advisable to confirm the most up-to-date limits when applying for assistance.
How to Apply for Child Care Financial Assistance
The application process for subsidized child care is designed to be straightforward and accessible. To apply, interested parents or guardians should complete a subsidy application form and gather the necessary supporting documents as outlined on the application checklist. Both the application form and the checklist are available for download via the links provided in the “Child Care Financial Assistance Publications” section below.
Completed applications, along with all required documentation, should be submitted to the Child Care Management Program office. For those who prefer to obtain physical copies of the forms or require assistance with the application process, the Montgomery office can be contacted directly at 334.270.4100 or 800.499.6597. Alternatively, individuals can visit their local Child Care Management office to request copies of the application materials and receive in-person family guidance.
Defining “Family” for Subsidy Eligibility
For the purposes of child care subsidy eligibility, “family” is defined as the core family unit residing in the same household. This includes an adult and their spouse (including common-law spouses), children under the age of 18, and minor parents under 18 and their children. These individuals must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption to be considered part of the family unit for subsidy purposes. This definition ensures clarity and consistency in determining family size and income eligibility.
Child Care Management Services: Operating Hours
The Child Care Management Services offices are open during convenient hours to serve families seeking assistance. The hours of operation are:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Please note that the offices are closed on all State of Alabama holidays.
For those needing to speak with a Supervisor at the Family Guidance Center of Alabama, please call 800.499.6597 and request to speak with Anita Williams, CMA Director. This direct access to supervisory staff ensures that families receive the necessary family guidance and support.
Child Care Financial Assistance Publications
Click below to download the necessary forms and documents for applying for child care financial assistance. These resources provide essential family guidance for navigating the application process.
