If you have a preschool aged child or are in need of reliable before & after school programs for kids who are older, you might be worried about how you’re going to pay for it all. It’s important for parents in the Chicago area to realize that there are a variety of both state and national level programs designed to make it easier for parents to afford professional child care services.

Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

This program, supervised by the Department of Human Services, was specifically designed for low-income families, families receiving temporary assistance, and teenage parents seeking their high school degree, and the parents of other types of families who are pursuing higher education.

Employer-Provided Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

If your job provides a benefits package that includes a flexible spending account, you may be able to use some of those funds to help offset the cost of child care. The good thing about this option is that the funds can be taken out of your paycheck before taxes, which could ultimately save you a lot of money.

Federal Tax Credits

You should also be aware that parents who work are most likely eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit offered by the federal government. “When you file your taxes at the end of the year, use the form to itemize up to $3,000 of child care expenses per child (up to a maximum of $6,000) which brings about $600 per child ($1,200 maximum) in tax savings,” explains Care.com.

Hopefully this has opened your eyes to the many programs that exist to help put child care services within the reach of every Chicago family! Feel free to contact Just For Kids with any additional questions you may have.