High-quality early learning plays a major role in a child's healthy development and academic success. Affordable child care and early childhood education programs provide far-reaching social and economic value, improving school readiness, supporting parents' employment stability, and strengthening community well-being.
Yet because of high associated costs and already-strained budgets, many parents earning low to moderate incomes find that they can't afford preschool for their little ones. Families living at or near the poverty threshold face some of the highest barriers to securing reliable, high-quality child care and early childhood education. Major factors include cost, worker shortages, limited availability, and long waitlists.
Fortunately, a wide range of programs and strategies can help parents reduce their expenses and make early learning and child care more accessible.
Look Into Federal and State Child Care Assistance Programs
Many families qualify for child care subsidies through federal and state programs. These provide financial assistance to eligible low-income families, typically helping cover a portion of weekly costs.
Each state administers the funds differently, so parents may find sliding-scale tuition rates, copay options, or fully covered care depending on their income and household circumstances. State agencies also offer targeted programs for parents who are employed, intraining, or enrolled in education programs, making preschool more affordable during key times of transition.
Apply for Localized Support Options
Various resources, such as Childcare.gov, provide state-by-state guidance on how to apply for child care assistance, including links to specific application portals, eligibility rules, and approved preschool providers. Their website also directs parents to local child care resources and referral agencies. This can help families navigate rules, gather necessary documentation, and understand available funding streams, allowing parents to secure support more quickly and identify programs that best match their child's needs.
Consider Public Preschool Programs and School District Opportunities
Some states and school districts offer free or low-cost preschool programs, particularly for children in low- and moderate-income households, children with disabilities, or those facing other risk factors. While availability varies widely, public preschool can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Parents may find tuition-free pre-K options tied to local elementary schools or early learning partnerships.
Explore Head Start and Early Head Start
Federal Head Start programs provide comprehensive early education, nutrition, and family support services at no cost to eligible families. While the program is widely known, many parents do not realize they may qualify based on income, foster care status, homelessness, or participation in public benefits.
Early Head Start also supports infants and toddlers, easing the financial burden long before preschool begins. These federal programs ensure children receive a strong developmental foundation while reducing household expenses.
Use Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies to Identify Additional Savings
Local child care resources and referral agencies specialize in helping families reduce preschool costs. These agencies often maintain updated lists of providers offering sliding-scale tuition, discounts for siblings, or income-based scholarships. They can also alert parents to seasonal funding opportunities, employer-supported vouchers, or community partnerships that may not be widely advertised.
Look for Employer-Based Child Care Benefits
Some employers offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or direct child care benefits that can offset preschool costs. Parents can save significant amounts by using pre-tax dollars to pay for tuition through a dependent care FSA, lowering their taxable income and monthly expenses. Larger employers may also subsidize care or maintain partnerships with local preschools, which can reduce or eliminate tuition for qualifying households.
Explore Cooperative Preschools for Lower Tuition
Cooperative preschools require parent participation in the classroom or administrative operations, which helps reduce staffing costs and lower tuition overall. Co-op preschools can be a particularly accessible option for families that are able to contribute time instead of higher monthly payments. This model also gives parents more involvement in their child's learning environment.
Research Community-Based Discounts and Faith-Affiliated Programs
Many community centers and faith-affiliated preschools offer lower tuition rates compared to private early learning centers. These programs may provide discounted rates for families with financial needs or offer payment plans that spread costs more evenly throughout the year. For parents who prefer smaller class sizes or community-oriented settings, these programs can be an affordable alternative without sacrificing educational quality.
Apply for State or Local Preschool Scholarships
Some states and counties offer early learning scholarships for preschool-aged children to bridge the gap between provider tuition and what families can realistically pay. These scholarships often prioritize lower-income households or families facing economic hardship, making it possible for families to choose high-quality care that contributes to long-term success.
Seek Scholarships Through Local Nonprofits
Nonprofits are increasingly stepping in to help families overcome significant cost barriers. Some organizations offer direct tuition support for early childhood education, including scholarships for preschool and high-quality child care programs.
For example, United Way of York County (UWYC) in Pennsylvania offers an early childhood education scholarship program to help working families afford reliable early learning options, easing financial stress and ensuring more children receive the development support they need during their earliest years. For many parents, these nonprofit pre-K scholarships can be the final piece that makes preschool truly attainable.
Get Affordable Early Learning for Your Child with UWYC
UWYC in Pennsylvania assists hardworking households on their journey toward financial stability. To meet the needs of the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed population, we are embarking on an issue-focused strategy to create a transformational impact for workers. We are focusing on two key barriers: child care and transportation.
With that mission in mind, we've introduced early learning and preschool child care programs to help York County families access high-quality learning opportunities at an affordable cost. Learn more today and apply as early as March 2026!
We offer many other resources through PA 211, a free, confidential health and human services information and referral hotline. Learn about how to use PA 211 to access resources such as food, clothing, and mental health assistance. Contact us today to get the services you need for a financially successful future!