Care 4 Kids (Child Care Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Care 4 Kids, or C4K, is Connecticut's child-care subsidy program, run by the Office of Early Childhood. It helps low-to-moderate-income families pay for child care so a parent can work, train, or go to school, and it pays part of the cost straight to an approved provider. You apply online through the OEC Care 4 Kids portal, or call 1-888-214-5437 with questions.
The program has a few clear rules on who can take part. You must live in Connecticut, and you must be working, in a Jobs First-approved education or training activity, in GED or high-school-equivalency prep, or enrolled in undergraduate study for an associate's or bachelor's degree. You also have to meet the income limits.
The child's age matters too. Care 4 Kids covers children under age 13. If a child has special needs, the program covers them up to age 19.
Income sets the door. New applicants must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income. For the 2024-2025 chart, the annual limits are $30,337 for a family of one, $39,671 for two, $49,006 for three, and $58,341 for four. Once you are enrolled, you stay eligible until your income reaches the exit limit of 85 percent of the state median income, so a small raise will not immediately cut you off. A newer chart replaces these amounts each year, so check the current figures when you apply.
You share part of the cost, and the share is small. Your copay is a percentage of your gross income, from 0 percent for the lowest incomes up to 5 percent for families near the top of the range. Many families pay nothing at all.
One rule protects quality. Your child-care provider must be licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, unless the provider is exempt from licensing, or must be a close relative. You apply after completing a short pre-screener and creating a ct.gov login.
Phone 1-888-214-5437
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Connecticut families with a parent who is working, in job training, or in school, whose income is within the program's limits for their household size
- Covers care for children generally under age 13, with older ages allowed for a child with special needs; confirm the current income limits when you apply
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Complete the online pre-screener and create a ct.gov login.
- 2
Apply online through the OEC Care 4 Kids portal, or call 1-888-214-5437 with questions.
- 3
Show that you are working, training, or in school, and that your income is at or below 60 percent of state median income to start.
- 4
Choose a provider who is licensed by the Office of Early Childhood, or a close relative.
- 5
Plan for a small copay, from 0 to 5 percent of your gross income.
What to have ready
- ID and proof of Connecticut residency
- Proof of income, and proof of your work, training, or school
- Your child's age or proof of special needs, and your provider's information. The Care 4 Kids program confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for Care 4 Kids?
Connecticut families with a parent who is working, in Jobs First-approved training, or in school, whose income is at or below 60 percent of state median income at entry.
What is the income limit?
New applicants must be at or below 60 percent of state median income ($30,337 for a family of one and $58,341 for four on the 2024-2025 chart). Once enrolled, you stay eligible until your income reaches 85 percent of state median income.
How much is my share of the cost?
Your copay is a percentage of your gross income, from 0 percent for the lowest incomes up to 5 percent near the top of the range. Many families pay nothing.
What ages does it cover?
Children under age 13, or under age 19 if the child has special needs.
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