The cost of paying for child care is a major consideration for most families. Many families today are spending over half of their income toward high-quality child care programs. There are many reasons why child care can be so expensive. Some of the reasons include high ratios of adults to children, teacher or provider qualifications, location of care, and costs of space, insurance, equipment, and special programs. Quality care for infants and toddlers can be especially expensive, due to small group sizes. Hiring an in-home caregiver tends to be the most expensive form of care, followed by centers and family child care homes.

Find out more about the cost of care, government assistance, employer-sponsored programs, and tax credits that may be of benefit to you. 

Additional information is included below.  You can jump directly to a topic by clicking the links below or simply scroll through the various sections.

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Financial Assistance

Choosing a child care provider is an important job for anyone who works. But paying for that care can be a problem. 

CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL MAY BE ABLE TO HELP 

Child Care Resource and Referral administers the Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Subsidy Program.

You can get help paying for child care if :

• You have a child (or children) under the age of 13 
• Your family fits in one of the income categories below 
• You ( and your spouse) are working, or in a approved education/ training program 
• You are a teen parent 

Family Size……………………Monthly Income must be Below
2………………………………………………..$2,268
3………………………………………………..$2,857 
4………………………………………………..$3,446 
5………………………………………………..$4,035 
6………………………………………………..$4,624 
7………………………………………………..$5,213
8………………………………………………..$5,802

There are no waiting list. All families who fall within the income categories for their size family are eligible. All families pay a portion of the cost as a co-payment. The amount of the family’s co-payment is based on income and family size. You can choose the child care provider who best fits your individual needs. Payments are available for full and part-time care and for before and after school.

Child care arrangements which DHS will help pay for To help ensure the well-being and safety of your child, Illinois law defines the following legal care arrangements:

• Licensed Child Care Center 
• Licensed Family Child Care Homes 
• Licensed Exempt Homes and Centers 

To receive information or an application for financial assistance call CCR&R 1-800-548-5563.

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Tax Information – Federal Tax Credits:

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Helps families pay for child care for children under the age of 13, if the parents are working. Parents who are full-time students can also claim the credit. Qualifying care includes child care centers, family child care homes, and care provided by paid friends or relatives — as long as the relative is not a dependent of the taxpayer. The size of the credit depends on the number of children in care, your family income, and the amount you paid for child care during the tax year. There are limits on the credit given for one child, and two or more children.

Earned Income Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income families, particularly those with children. The EITC is based on family income and the number of children in the family. Both single- and two-parent families are entitled to the credit, as long as one parent is employed. A number of states have their own Earned Income Tax Credits; check with your state department of revenue for more information.