Child Care Questions? Call 800-683-3327

How much does child care cost?

As working parents of young children quickly discover, child care can be enormously expensive. Quality child care can cost between $130 and $170 a week, depending on the age of the child. Family Central Inc. provides tips for keeping child care affordable. For example:

• Ask about any discounts for parents who work for certain businesses.
   
• Ask about discounts for parents enrolling more than one child.
   
• Ask whether there are any additional fees for snacks, supplies and the like.
   
• Ask your employer whether they provide any child care cost assistance.
   
• Make sure you take advantage of any child care tax credits.

For more information, such as local rates and a child care calculator, go to Family Central’s web site: www.familycentral.org

How do I apply for help to pay for child care?

In Palm Beach County, thousands of families receive assistance from government entities to pay for child care at centers, school-based sites and family child care homes.

Eligibility for assistance is generally based on economic and employment factors. For example, child care assistance from the federal government is available to families whose annual income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (or about $33,000 a year for a family of four).

For more information about help in paying for care, contact Family Central at 1-866-357-3239 or visit www.familycentral.org.