Paying for Care

Help Paying for Child Care

Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers and Home Child Care Network (HCCN) homes are part of SAL Community Services, a nonprofit organization that strengthens children, families, and individuals to build and enhance thriving communities. We know you want your child to be in a safe, educational environment that is affordable for your family. Skip-a-Long and the HCCN provide care on a sliding fee scale, based on family size and income.  Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers partner with local foundations and grantors to offer short-term and emergency tuition payment assistance to families who qualify. Scholarships are offered on an as-needed basis when funds are available, through an application process. Contact one of our Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers to find out if your family may be eligible.

family with children

Illinois Department of Human Services

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) works directly with Skip-a-Long Childhood Centers and HCCN to provide the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to children whose income-eligible parents are employed, are attending school to obtain a higher education degree, are a recipient of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), have a child with special needs, or are a teenaged parent enrolled in a full-time school or GED program. Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services for more information on eligibility requirements and application processes, access the Eligibility Calculator to estimate eligibility, or contact one of our Skip-a-Long Centers or HCCN directly to speak to an Eligibility Coordinator.

Iowa Department of Human Services

The Iowa Department of Human Services (IDHS) provides Child Care Assistance to children whoe income-eligible parents are employed, participating in academic or vocational training, PROMISE JOBS activities, or (for a limited time) are looking for employment. Additionally, DHS provides Child Care Assistance regardless of financial means to children in protective custody arrangements. Visit the Iowa Department of Human Services for more information on eligibility requirements and application processes, or access the Prequalification Tool to check eligibility.