Paying for Child Care

Child Care Subsidy

Administered by the county Department of Social Services, this program helps families (with children ages 0-12) in paying for child care.  Families must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify.  For more information about the New Hanover County Child Care Subsidy Program, click here.

Child Care Program Assistance

Ask if your child care provider offers scholarships, discounts or a sliding fee scale.

Federal and State Tax Credits

You may be eligible for certain tax credits from both the federal and state government.  These tax credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.  Each tax credit has eligibility requirements including income level and family size.  For more information, visit. www.irs.gov.

Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)

Your employer may offer a DCAP, which allows you to have money taken out of your paycheck tax-free and put into a special account to be used for child care tuition reimbursement.  Ask your employer if they offer this type of program.

Federal or State Funded Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) and Head Start Programs

Most counties in North Carolina offer Pre-K, More at Four and/or Head Start Programs.  In New Hanover County, Head Start serves three and four-year-olds and More at Four serves four year olds only.  Both programs are free to families but space is limited.  Families must meet eligibility requirements. 

Megan Cajigas Foundation

The Megan Cajigas Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) Charity dedicated to creating opportunities for children to develop their unique skills and talents by awarding pre-school scholarships.  All pre-school aged children are eligible.  Scholarships are based on need.  Visit their website to learn more about the mission of the Megan Cajigas Foundation and this scholarship opportunity.

You may also want to visit the following websites for additional information or assistance:

For more details about the Star Rated License or to check the compliance history of a licensed child care program.

To find referrals to child care programs based on your specific needs.

To download brochures with other topics related to finding child care.

Return to the Main Child Care Page