Paying for after-school care

After-school care is part of the working-family budget, but families rarely pay the sticker price. Several systems exist specifically to bring the cost down.

Public child care subsidies

Every state administers child care assistance funded in part by the federal Child Care and Development Fund. Eligibility is based on income and work or school status, and the subsidy can often be applied to school-age after-school care. Your state or county human-services agency administers it.

Sliding-scale fees

Many district and nonprofit programs charge on a sliding scale tied to household income, so two families at the same site may pay very different amounts. Always ask whether a sliding scale exists before assuming a program is out of reach.

Program scholarships

Nonprofit providers frequently hold scholarship funds donated specifically to cover fees for families who need them. These are not always advertised — you usually have to ask.

Employer and tax benefits

A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for care, and the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can offset a portion of what you spend. Check whether your employer offers either.

The bottom line

The published fee is the starting point of a conversation, not the final price. Ask every provider about subsidies, sliding scales, and scholarships.