Payment Assistance

Dear Arkansas, Florida, and Tennessee Families,

Did you know that you may be eligible for free or reduced child care? These states offer assistance for working and/or student parents who meet certain criteria.

Read through the information on this page, or click here to fill out the short questionnaire we created to help families learn if they may qualify. Our subsidy specialist will review your results, then contact you to help you through the process. If you have any questions, please feel free to email steven@brightideasfamily.com.

Thank you so much for trusting us to be your childcare provider. We value your partnership, and are dedicated to helping your family each step of the way.  

State Requirements & Information

Arkansas Families
Florida Families
Tennessee Families

Click here to fill out the short questionnaire we created to help families learn if they may qualify. Our subsidy specialist will review your results, then contact you to help you through the process.

The State of Arkansas Department of Human Services, and the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education offers assistance for qualifying working and/or student parents through the Child Care Payment Assistance program. There are certain requirements that determine eligibility, including the following:

  • Each adult residing in the household must be employed at least 30 hour per week, or be enrolled and attending high school, college, GED classes, vocational school, or a training program as a full time student. A combination of school and work is acceptable if the individual is involved at a minimum of 30 hours.
  • Have an eligible child. Program serves children from birth through 12 years of age.
  • Household gross income must be below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income (SMI) for Arkansas (see chart below).
Fill Out Questionnaire

Click here to fill out the short questionnaire we created to help families learn if they may qualify. Our subsidy specialist will review your results, then contact you to help you through the process.

The State of Florida offers assistance for qualifying working and/or student parents through the School Readiness Program. There are certain requirements that determine eligibility, including the following:

  • Parent(s)/guardian(s) must be working or participating in an educational activity, such as attending college or trade school for at least 20 hours/week.
  • Gross income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level for family size (see chart below).
  • Families must pay a copayment for child care based on income and family size.
Fill Out Questionnaire

Click here to fill out the short questionnaire we created to help families learn if they may qualify. Our subsidy specialist will review your results, then contact you to help you through the process.

The State of Tennessee Department of Human Services offers assistance for qualifying working and/or student parents through the Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance program. There are certain requirements that determine eligibility, including the following:

  • Must be employed no less than 30 hours per week, or be enrolled and attending a post secondary education program full time, or a combination of employment and post-secondary education.
  • Must have a child between ages six (6) weeks through five (5) years old.
  • Household gross income must be below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income (SMI) for Tennessee (see chart below).
    Eligibility for assistance is based on program requirements and availability of funding.
Fill Out Questionnaire

Click here to learn more

Click here to apply online

Click here for paper application (take to local TDHS office)

If you have questions about child care payment assistance, you may email the TNDHS at childcare.certificate.dhs@tn.gov, or email our family assistance rep: steven@brightideasfamily.com.