Child Care Funding

Anoka County operates a Child Care Assistance program that helps families pay for child care so that parents can work, attend school or look for a job. This program is supported by state and federal funds.

The family may need to pay a portion of the child care cost. This amount is called a co-pay and is based on family size and income. Family income must be less than 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at time of initial application to qualify for funds.

Examples of income before taxes:

• Family of 2 – earn less than $22,453 a year
• Family of 3 – earn less than $28,158 a year
• Family of 4 – earn less than $33,863 a year

Child Care Assistance can help families with these needs pay for the cost of child care:

• Minnesota Family Investment Program(MFIP)– for families receiving MFIP cash assistance. Child Care Assistance is provided so parents can work, job search, attend school, or attend social service appointments.
• Diversionary Work Program (DWP) – for families receiving DWP assistance. Child Care Assistance is provided so parents can work, job search, and work with Anoka County Employment Services.
• Transition Year Child Care Assistance – for families who received MFIP or DWP for at least 3 of the last 6 months. Child Care Assistance is provided for up to 12 months from the date MFIP or DWP closes, so parents can work or job search. School and training programs are not approved activities for child care on this program.
• Base Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance – for families who need help paying for child care so they can work, job search or attend school. There is a waiting list for Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance in Anoka County. To be screened for the waiting list, please call 763-717-7714.
• At Home Infant Care (AHIC) – for families with a child under the age of one year. Parents may qualify for a monthly stipend to aide them in staying home during their child’s first year. Families interested in the AHIC program must call 763-717-7714 to be screened for the waiting list.

Types of Child Care That Qualify

The Anoka County Child Care Assistance program can pay any licensed child care center or licensed child care home that is registered with Anoka County. If you need help in finding licensed child care, you can call Resources for Child Caring at (651) 641-0332. The Child Care Assistance program can also pay unlicensed child care providers who are over the age of 18 and pass a background study. There is a $65.00 fee to cover the cost of the background study for unlicensed providers. For more information about the program, call (763) 717-7711.