Childcare costs are the third largest expense for families, after housing and food. To ease the financial burden of childcare for working families, the State of Georgia offers the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program. CAPS helps parents in all 159 Georgia counties pay for early childhood and school-age care and educational programs.

To qualify for subsidized childcare through CAPS:

• Parents or guardians must have limited incomes and be working, attending school or in training.
• Children can be from birth to 13 years old. Assistance is available for children up to age 18 if they have special needs.

For more information about CAPS and to find out how to apply for financial assistance for childcare, refer to this website: www2.state.ga.us/Departments/DHR/ORS.

CAPS is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). CCDF assists families with low incomes, families receiving temporary public assistance and families transitioning from public assistance in obtaining childcare. This enables the adults to work or attend education or training programs.