Wyoming Child Care Assistance
Last updated August 2026
Child Care Assistance helps income-eligible Wyoming parents pay for part of the cost of child care so they can work or attend an employment-related education program. It is funded through the federal child care block grant. You apply through ECARES, the state's child care system, or by contacting your local Department of Family Services office. For help getting started, call 1-800-457-3659.
You have to be working or in school to qualify. The parent or caretaker must be working or attending an approved employment-related education program. For college, the help can cover class time toward a first bachelor's degree. In a two-parent home, both parents must be in an approved activity during the same hours that care is needed.
Income sets who qualifies, and Wyoming uses a chart to decide. Eligibility runs on the Child Care Financial Criteria Chart, and a new chart takes effect April 1, 2026. All income that any family member receives must be reported for the decision. Because the exact dollar limits live on that chart, the best way to know where you stand is to apply and let the office run your numbers.
Most families pay part of the cost themselves. Based on your income, you may owe a family copayment, and the subsidy covers the rest. The copay is set by your income, so a lower-income family generally pays less. Knowing there is a copay up front helps you plan your monthly budget.
Your provider has to be approved. Care can come from a licensed provider or from an unlicensed, legally exempt provider, but both must register. Exempt providers have to meet health and safety and training rules, including CPR and first-aid certification, background checks, immunization checks, and supervision standards. This keeps your child in safe, checked care.
To apply, use the ECARES portal or contact your local DFS office, and call 1-800-457-3659 with questions. Have proof of your work or school schedule and proof of all household income ready, since both are needed to decide your eligibility and your copay.
Phone 1-800-457-3659
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Parents or caretakers who are working or in an employment-related education program and fall within the income limits on the DFS financial criteria chart
- In a two-parent household, both parents must be in an approved activity during the hours care is needed
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply through the ECARES portal, or contact your local DFS office.
- 2
Show that you are working or in an employment-related education program.
- 3
Report all household income; eligibility is set by the Child Care Financial Criteria Chart.
- 4
In a two-parent home, both parents must be in an approved activity during the same hours.
- 5
Choose an approved provider; call 1-800-457-3659 with questions.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of your work or school schedule
- Proof of all household income. Your local DFS office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for child care assistance?
Income-eligible parents or caretakers who are working or attending an employment-related education program. In a two-parent home, both must be in an approved activity during care hours.
How is income checked?
By the Child Care Financial Criteria Chart. A new chart takes effect April 1, 2026, and all household income must be reported.
Do I have to pay anything?
Families may owe a copayment based on their income, and the subsidy covers the rest.
How do I apply?
Through the ECARES portal or your local DFS office. Call 1-800-457-3659 with questions.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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