Non UW-Madison Assistance (City, County and State Programs)

City of Madison Child Care Program

The City of Madison Child Care Program provides financial assistance for low-income parents living in Madison who are working, looking for work, or going to school. (Students may be eligible within their first two years of college or technical school.) Parents may also qualify if their child has special needs, or if they have a family crisis. For more information, call (608) 267-4996. On the web, www.ci.madison.wi.us/commserv/tap.html.

Head Start

Head Start is available at no cost for families who meet enrollment guidelines. Programs include full, part-day and home-based options for children from birth to five years of age. Call (608) 267-6740 to find out about specific programs in your area, to determine your eligibility and to enroll your child.

Dane County Human Services

Dane County Human Services has financial assistance available for low-income families also. For more information see http://www.danejobs.com/ or call (608) 242-7400.

Contact the Human Resource Department where you are employed

Talk with the Human Resource Department where you work. Ask if the employer offers a "cafeteria benefit plan" and if child care is included. If so, you can have your child care expenses deducted from you paycheck before taxes.

Community Groups

Some community groups offer scholarships. Check with your faith community, child care centers, neighborhood centers and your school or Parent-Teacher Organization.

Wisconsin Child Care Subsidy Program

Wisconsin Child Care Subsidy Program provides funding assistance to low-income families, including those families in W-2 approved training programs who are working. Note: some undergraduate students maybe eligible for this county funding. If you are an undergraduate and currently employed while enrolled at UW-Madison, please call 1-888-713-KIDS, refer to http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dws/programs/childcare/wishares/rates.htm, or mail:

Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
201 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 7946
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7946
Phone: (608) 266-3131
TTY: (608) 267-0477
Fax: (608) 261-7979