Parent Resources for Childcare Costs

Childcare is a big expense, and there is more help out there than most families realize. Here are 10 places to start for families in Wake County. Programs, income limits, and openings change, so check with each program before you apply.

1. Wake County Child Care Subsidy

  • What it is: Help from the state, run locally by Wake County Social Services, that pays most of the cost of licensed childcare.
  • Who it's for: Working or studying parents of children ages 0–12. Gross income must be at or under 200% of the federal poverty level for ages 0–5 (about $5,500/month for a family of 4), or 133% for ages 6–12.
  • What you pay: About 10% of your gross monthly income. The state pays the provider the rest, up to the county rate.
  • Good to know: In Wake County the subsidy is currently waitlist-only and not accepting new applications. You can still join the waitlist.
  • How to start: Call 919-212-9285 (English) or 919-212-7052 (Spanish/English), email childcaresubsidy@wake.gov, or see wake.gov.

2. Wake Pre-K (age 4)

  • What it is: Free pre-K for 4-year-olds, with NC Pre-K, Title I Pre-K, and Head Start on one application through Wake County Smart Start.
  • Who it's for: Children who are 4 by Aug 31 and meet an income or priority need, such as income at or under 75% of state median income, a developmental or health need, limited English, or a military family.
  • What you pay: Free during the school day (about 6.5 hours). Before- and after-care costs extra.
  • How to start: Apply online at wakesmartstart.org or call 919-851-9550. Applications received by June 12 are considered for all programs.

3. Wake ThreeSchool (age 3)

  • What it is: Free preschool for 3-year-olds, funded by Wake County and run by Wake County Smart Start.
  • Who it's for: Wake County residents whose child is 3 by Aug 31. Priority goes to families at or under 75% of state median income or in a priority group.
  • What you pay: Free. Before- and after-care costs extra and is not offered at every site.
  • How to start: Apply online at wakesmartstart.org or call 919-851-9550. Placements continue on a rolling basis.

4. Head Start / Early Head Start

  • What it is: Free, federally funded early childhood programs, run in Wake by Telamon. Early Head Start serves ages 0–3.
  • Who it's for: Families at or under the federal poverty level, or receiving public assistance, or experiencing homelessness, or with a foster child.
  • What you pay: Free. Seats are limited.
  • How to start: For age 4, use the Wake Pre-K application. For younger children, call a Telamon center: Crosby (Raleigh) 919-856-5232, Parkway (Cary) 919-657-0577, or Knightdale 919-266-1240.

5. NC Tri-Share

  • What it is: A program where you, your employer, and the State each pay one-third of your childcare bill (plus a small administrative fee).
  • Who it's for: Working families with household income of about 185–300% of the federal poverty level who are not eligible for subsidy. Your employer has to join.
  • What it covers: Full- or part-time care, before- and after-school care, and summer day camps, for children ages 0–12.
  • How to start: Ask your HR department to sign up at smartstart.org.

6. Help from Individual Providers

  • What it is: Many childcare centers and preschools offer their own ways to lower the bill.
  • What to ask about: Sliding-scale fees, need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, church- or temple-member discounts, employer discounts, military or teacher discounts, and payment plans that spread tuition over 10 months or in installments.
  • How to start: Ask every center you tour what help they offer. It never hurts to ask.

7. Dependent Care FSA

  • What it is: An account through your employer that lets you set aside pre-tax money for childcare.
  • Who it's for: Working parents whose employer offers one, for children under 13.
  • What it covers / saves: Daycare, preschool, before- and after-school care, and day camps. You can set aside up to $7,500 a year per household starting in 2026.
  • How to start: Ask your HR or benefits team, and sign up during open enrollment.

8. Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • What it is: A federal tax credit for childcare costs that let you work.
  • Who it's for: Working families with children under 13. The percentage you get depends on income (20–50% of eligible costs).
  • What it covers: Up to $3,000 in expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more, so the most you can get back is $1,500 or $3,000. It lowers the tax you owe.
  • Good to know: Money you put in a Dependent Care FSA counts toward the same limit. North Carolina does not currently have a state childcare tax credit.
  • How to start: Claim it when you file your 2026 return. Details at irs.gov.

9. Military Family Fee Assistance

  • What it is: Fee assistance that helps pay for community childcare when on-base care isn't available.
  • Who it's for: Military-connected families. Military families also get priority for Wake ThreeSchool and Pre-K.
  • What it covers: Reduced fees at licensed providers rated 3 stars or higher, or accredited ones.
  • How to start: Apply at MilitaryChildCare.com.

10. School-Age Before/After Care Costs

  • Wake public schools (WCPSS), 2025–26: $94.65/month before school and $108.17/month after school, plus a $15 registration fee.
  • Private programs: Often more, for example about $430/month at one local center or $85/week at another.
  • Help with the cost: Subsidy can cover school-age care for ages 6–12 for families at or under 133% of the federal poverty level.
  • Finding care: Wake County Smart Start helps families find childcare and learn about funding. Call 919-851-9550 or visit wakesmartstart.org.

Information was gathered from official program pages in November 2026. Please confirm details with each program.