Care 4 Kids – Connecticut’s Childcare subsidy

Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.
Several childcare centers and camps in Southington accept the Care 4 Kids subsidy. They are identified in the ECCS Resources listing or call 211 to identify participating providers.

UPDATES as of November 2025:
- Current wait time is approximately 7 months on the Enrollment List.
- All families who are placed on the Enrollment List are determined likely eligible for Care 4 Kids.
- Using the online Parent Portal is the most efficient way to submit all required documents at application.
- Families do not need to submit a Parent-Provider Agreement (PPA) while on the Enrollment List

To participate in the program, there are certain eligibility requirements for parents, children and child care providers. Using the Care 4 Kids Eligibility Screener at https://oec.service.ct.gov/C4KPortal/s/eligibility is the best way to confirm this.
Families must:
- live in Connecticut;
- be working or attending a temporary family cash assistance (Jobs First) approved education or training activity; and
- meet the program’s income requirements. The eligibility income guidelines increased from 50% to 60% of the State Median Income as of July 1, 2021.

Children must:
- live in Connecticut; and
- be under age 13, or if the child has special needs, be under age 19.

Providers must:
- be licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (unless exempt from licensing); or
- be a relative, like a grandparent; or
- take care of the child in the child’s home.



Phone: 1-888-214-KIDS (5437)

Web Site: http://www.ctcare4kids.com