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Childcare

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**Remember to include brochures if necessary**

Child Care Assistance Program

Phone: (608) 267-4996

About this resource: The Child Care Assistance Program assists in paying for child care while you work, look for employment, attend training or school (High school or credits beyond high school sufficient to earn an associate degree.), or for your child's special needs. The goal of the City of Madison Child Care Program is to improve and support the quality of early care and education in the City of Madison and to provide access to quality care to low-income families. 

Who can use this resource? Families must reside within the City of Madison limits for at least six months to be considered for eligibility. Financial assistance is available to City of Madison low-income families that are ineligible for the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program and meet the City of Madison eligibility requirements. Depending on your family's income, you may be eligible for full or partial funding based on a sliding fee scale. If funded, families must use a center or family child care provider that is accredited by the City of Madison. 

Next Steps: The Child Care Assistance Program staff will conduct a phone screening to determine whether or not you may qualify for assistance. If eligible, your name may be placed on a waiting list. When funds are available and your name comes to the top of the waiting list, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with the Child Care Assistance Coordinator to complete the application process. 

Wisconsin Head Start & Early Head Start Program 

Phone: (608) 275-6740

About this resource: Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age 5 for low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Early Head Start is a program that promotes high-quality child and family development services to low-income pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers up to the age of 3. Children enrolled in Head Start also receive free medical and dental care.

Who can use this resource? Individuals must meet the eligibility requirements. You must be a Wisconsin resident and meet the income eligibility requirements. See website for details. 

Next Steps:

  • Fill out an enrollment application. Mail in the application to:

Reach Dane (Attn: Enrollment)

2096 Red Arrow Trail

Madison, WI 53711

 

OR

OR

  • Fax the application to (608) 275-6756.

  • If you have any questions, call (608) 275-6740!

Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program

About this resource: The Birth to 3 Program is an early intervention for children who have developmental delays or disabilities and their families.

Who can use this resource? The Birth to 3 Program is for children ages birth to 36 months. Eligibility is based on a diagnosed disability or 25% delay in one or more areas of development. The team will evaluate the child’s ability to:

  • Learn

  • Move, see, and hear (physical/motor development

  • Communicate and understand other’s communication (speech and language development)

  • Respond to and relate with others (social and emotional development)

  • Eat, dress, and care for daily living needs (adaptive development)

Next Steps:

  • If you think your child may qualify for the Birth to 3 programs, please contact one of the following:

    • Call 608-316-1124 if you are within the Madison School District

    • Call 608-273-3232 if you are outside the Madison School District

Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program 

About this resource: The Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program supports low-income working families by subsidizing a portion or the cost of quality childcare while the parents or caregivers are working or participating in another approved activity.

 

Who can use this resource? Low-income working families with children under the age of 13 may be eligible for Wisconsin Shares.

 

Next Steps:

 

OR

  • Call Capital Consortium at 1-888-794-5556.

OR

  • Visit the Job Center at:

 

1819 Aberg Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

Click HERE for brochure 

City of Madison Childcare Assistance Program 

Phone: 608-267-4996

About this resource: Financial assistance is available to City of Madison low income families that are ineligible for the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy program and meet the City of Madison eligibility requirements. Depending on your family’s income, you may be eligible for full or partial funding. Families can only use assistance with City of Madison Accredited programs, which include Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Providers.

Who can use this resource? Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements

Next Steps:

  • Call the City of Madison Child Care Assistance Program at 608-267-4996. Program staff will conduct an interview to determine whether you qualify. If eligible, your name may be placed on a waiting list.

Click HERE for brochure 

The Respite Center // RISE 

Phone: (608) 250-6634

About this resource: The Respite Center provides emergency childcare and respite for children ages 0-14. The Respite Center provides planned childcare while parents or caregivers attend appointments, look for employment, or search for housing or when parents or caregivers need a break of relief. ​

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

Next Steps:

  • Call the Respite Center at 608-244-5700 if you need immediate care for your children.

The Respite Center

2120 Fordem Ave.

Madison, WI 53703

 Click HERE for brochure

4C 

Phone: (608) 271-9181

 

About this resource: 4C helps provide advocacy and support services for childcare in Dane and surrounding counties. This agency strives to ensure that every child has access to high quality early care and education through integrated support and expertise.

 

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

 

Next Steps:

  • Call 608-271-9181 to learn more about the support and services that 4C provides!

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