How Low-Income Families Can Get Help Saving Money on Childcare

Raising young kids is a full-time job on its own. Paying for childcare on top of rent, food, and gas can feel like too much. The good news is that families in Las Vegas and nearby communities have strong options that can lower costs, boost quality, and make daily life easier. One trusted place to start is Sunrise Children’s Foundation, a local nonprofit with no-cost programs that serve pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers.

This guide breaks down practical steps to save money, explains local programs, and shows how to combine help so your child gets safe, loving care, while your budget can breathe.

Learn about the Early Childhood programs at Sunrise Children’s Foundation

Why Childcare Costs Feel So High

Childcare prices rise when there are more families who need care than licensed spots available. Staffing is another factor. Centers need trained teachers and small group sizes so children stay safe and learn well. These are good things for kids, but they can add to the bill.

Another reason is timing. Many jobs do not line up with preschool hours. If you work nights or weekends, you may need care during off hours. Care that covers long days or odd schedules can cost more.

Even when prices feel out of reach, there is a path forward. The key is stacking programs that fit your family, then choosing a care plan that blends cost, quality, and your work schedule.

First Stop: Free and Low-Cost Programs in Your Neighborhood

Sunrise Children’s Foundation serves families across Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and nearby areas. The organization focuses on the earliest years, because those years shape school and life outcomes. Many programs are free for families who meet income guidelines.

Here is a quick look at what Sunrise offers:

Early Head Start for children up to age 3.
Head Start for children ages 3 to 5.
WIC for pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.
Home visiting and parent education that supports learning at home.
Health, nutrition, and family support services that connect you with community resources.

These services reduce out-of-pocket costs and also improve your child’s readiness for school. That way you save money and gain peace of mind.

Early Head Start and Head Start Through Sunrise

Early Head Start and Head Start are no-cost programs for eligible families. They focus on early learning, health, and family support.

What you get with Early Head Start:

Support for pregnant mothers and parents of infants and toddlers.
Home-based visits or center-based care, depending on the site.
Caregivers who focus on bonding, routines, and brain-building play.
Developmental screenings and referrals, when needed.

What you get with Head Start:

Preschool learning for ages 3 to 5.
Small group time that builds language, math, and social skills.
Health and dental screenings, and help with appointments.
Family goal-setting and help with the transition to kindergarten.

Both programs are designed to be free for families that qualify. By choosing an Early Head Start or Head Start program, you can reduce or even remove your childcare bill during program hours. Families often combine these hours with other care to cover a full workday.

WIC at Sunrise: Nutrition That Lowers Stress on Your Budget

WIC stands for women, infants, and children. This program provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other services. At Sunrise, WIC helps pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income and health guidelines.

WIC can make a big difference in your monthly spending. When your child’s milk, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and other foods are covered, you free up money for rent, gas, or part-time care. WIC also connects families to lactation support, which can improve health and lower formula costs.

WIC and Head Start work well together. Your child eats well at home and at school. You also gain a team that watches growth, checks in on milestones, and helps when issues come up.

Home Visiting and Parent Support You Can Count On

Sunrise also offers home-based parent education, including the Parents as Teachers model at many sites. This is not the same as babysitting or daycare. It is coaching for caregivers that builds strong routines, early literacy, and positive discipline. A trained home visitor brings activities, helps track milestones, and connects your family with services.

This support can help you:

Grow your child’s language skills with simple daily routines.
Solve common challenges like picky eating or sleep troubles.
Use your home as a classroom with books, songs, and play.
Get referrals for hearing, vision, speech, or mental health care.

Families who have a parent staying at home often choose this option. You save on paid care, while your child still receives high-quality early learning. If you work part-time or flexible hours, you can pair home visits with shorter childcare blocks.

Pair Sunrise Programs With the Nevada Child Care Subsidy

The State of Nevada offers a child care subsidy through the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. This program helps with the cost of licensed or approved care, while parents work, train, or attend school. If you qualify, the state pays part of the bill directly to the provider, and you pay a smaller share based on your income.

How it helps:

It lowers your monthly payment to the daycare or preschool.
It works with licensed centers, family child care homes, and some approved providers.
It lets you choose a provider that fits your schedule and location.

If your child is in Head Start for part of the day, the subsidy can cover wraparound hours before and after class. That makes a full workday possible with much lower costs.

Other Ways To Cut Childcare Costs in Clark County

There are more tools and local options that can reduce what you pay, including:

School-based preschool: Nevada funds pre-K in some schools and community sites. Seats are free for eligible families, but space is limited. Check with Clark County School District and Nevada Ready programs.
After-school and summer care: Community groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs and local parks programs offer low-cost care for school-age kids. Scholarships are common.
Family, friend, and neighbor care: The state may approve a trusted caregiver for subsidy payment if they meet rules. Ask the subsidy office about your options.
Faith-based and nonprofit centers: Some offer sliding-scale tuition or scholarships.
Employer benefits: Ask about a childcare stipend, a flexible schedule, or dependent care accounts. Even small benefits add up.

When you layer these supports with Sunrise services, the savings stack.

What To Bring When You Apply

Having the right documents makes enrollment smoother. Keep copies in a folder or on your phone of the following list:

Photo ID for the parent or guardian.
Child’s birth certificate or proof of birth.
Proof of pregnancy for prenatal services or WIC, if needed.
Proof of address, like a lease or utility bill.
Proof of income, like pay stubs or a benefits letter.
Immunization record for your child.
Any IEP, IFSP, or medical notes if your child receives services.

If you are missing a document, do not let that stop you. Staff can tell you what to do next and who to call.

A Simple Plan To Get Help This Month

Step 1: Explore our website and review Early Head Start, Head Start, WIC, and parent support options.
Step 2: Start the application for the program that matches your child’s age. Ask about both home-based and center-based options.
Step 3: Apply for the Nevada child care subsidy through the state’s welfare office. Ask for a list of approved providers near your home or work.
Step 4: If you are pregnant or have a child under 5, enroll in WIC at Sunrise to lower food costs right away.
Step 5: Choose a care plan that covers your work hours. Combine Head Start with subsidy-funded wraparound care, if needed.
Step 6: Set reminders for document deadlines and appointments. Keep pay stubs and letters in one folder.
Step 7: Check in with your family advocate or home visitor each month. Let them know if your schedule or income changes.

These steps can shift your childcare budget in a single month.

What Quality Care Looks Like and Why It Matters

Quality is not about fancy toys or big classrooms. It is about people, routines, and safety.

Look for:

Warm, steady caregivers who talk and play with children.
Safe spaces with clean floors, secure gates, and visible exits.
Small groups and low teacher-child ratios.
Daily schedules that blend play, meals, rest, and outdoor time.
Books, art, blocks, and music within a child’s reach.
Regular screenings and family meetings.
Clear policies on illness, pickups, and communication.

Head Start and Early Head Start build these features into every site. When you pick a provider for wraparound care, use the same checklist. Good care helps kids grow and helps parents work with confidence.

How Families Use These Programs Together

Every family is different. Here are a few common patterns that work well in Las Vegas.

Infant care with subsidy plus home visiting: A mom working retail gets a subsidy to help pay for child care at home three days a week. She also joins Sunrise’s home visiting program to boost learning at home. WIC lowers formula and food costs.
Toddler in an Early Head Start center: A dad in job training needs full-day care. His toddler gets a free Early Head Start slot. A subsidy covers extra hours, so the family pays a small monthly amount.
Preschooler in Head Start with wraparound: A parent with a 4-year-old enrolls in Head Start for part-day preschool. The child also rides the bus. The parent picks a nearby provider for before and after care, paid mostly by subsidy.
New baby on the way: An expectant mom signs up for WIC and home visiting. She gets prenatal support now, then adds Early Head Start services after the baby is born.

Each path stretches dollars, while building steady routines for children.

Learn about the Early Childhood programs at Sunrise Children’s Foundation

Program Comparison at a Glance

Program	Who It Helps	Ages	Cost to Family	What You Receive	Where To Start
Early Head Start at Sunrise	Pregnant women, infants, toddlers	Prenatal to age 3	No cost for eligible families	Home or center-based services, screenings, family support	sunrisechildren.org
Head Start at Sunrise	Preschoolers	Ages 3 to 5	No cost for eligible families	Preschool classes, health services, kindergarten transition	sunrisechildren.org
WIC at Sunrise	Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, young children	Prenatal to age 5	No cost for eligible families	Healthy foods, breastfeeding help, nutrition education	sunrisechildren.org
Nevada Child Care Subsidy	Parents working, training, or in school	Birth to school-age	Sliding copay based on income	State pays part of licensed or approved care	State welfare office
Community-Based Pre-K	Eligible preschoolers	Ages 3 to 5	No cost, if eligible	Part-day or full-day preschool in select sites	CCSD and partners

Program details can change based on funding, location, or demand. Check current eligibility and openings when you apply.

Tips for a Smoother Application

Small steps can save time and stress.

Here are a few tips:

Call early in the week and early in the day when offices are less busy.
Ask for language support if you prefer a language other than English.
Let staff know if you have a changing work schedule.
Keep a running list of providers and hours that match your commute.
If you do not qualify now, ask when to reapply or what else may fit.
Join waiting lists and check back every few weeks.

Remember, our staff here at Sunrise work with parents every day. We understand how to connect families with the right mix of services.

Common Questions From Las Vegas Parents

Timelines vary by site and season. Some families enroll right away. Others may wait for the next open slot. Apply as soon as your child is eligible and keep your contact information current.

Many providers offer extended hours. The state subsidy can often be used for nontraditional schedules. Ask for a provider list with hours that match your shifts.

Early Head Start and Head Start include screenings and can coordinate services. Share your child’s IEP or IFSP, and ask to meet with the site’s support team.

Yes. Bring it if you have it. If you are missing shots, staff can help you find a clinic.

Yes. Many staff members speak multiple languages, and translation support can be arranged.

Apply and let the staff review your situation. Families sometimes qualify even if they think they will not.

A Closer Look at Childcare Budgets

A clear plan starts with real numbers.

Try this simple budget check:

Write down your current weekly childcare costs.
Estimate how many hours you need covered per week.
Ask three providers for rates that match your hours.
Check your subsidy copay once you apply.
Compare that to a Head Start or Early Head Start schedule.
See how WIC and other supports lower your monthly expenses.

This exercise takes less than an hour. The result helps you choose the best mix of care, subsidy, and preschool.

Building a Support Circle

Money matters, but support matters, too. Families who do well with childcare tend to have a small circle they can call on, including:

A provider or teacher who knows your child’s routine.
A home visitor or family advocate who can solve issues early.
A neighbor or relative who can step in for short-term care.
A clinic or WIC office you trust for health and feeding questions.

Sunrise Children’s Foundation encourages this circle. Staff will connect you with resources across Las Vegas, so you have backup when life happens.

Take Your Next Step Today

The fastest way to save money on childcare is to ask for help and apply. Sunrise Children’s Foundation has teams across the Valley who are ready to support you. Explore our website to learn more about Early Head Start, Head Start, WIC, and home visiting, and to find a location near you. Then add the Nevada child care subsidy to lower the rest of your costs.

Small steps this week can unlock safer care, stronger learning, and more room in your budget. Your child gains, and your family moves forward with more confidence.

Learn about the Early Childhood programs at Sunrise Children’s Foundation