How do I get a child care voucher?
Families must contact Buncombe County’s Child Care Subsidy Unit at (828) 250-5500. They will determine your eligibility and schedule an appointment. (Check income guidelines below). Vouchers can pay for full-time or part-time care. Families can also receive vouchers for care before or after normal hours or for the summer for Early Head Start, Head Start, and NC Pre-Kindergarten.
How do I choose a child care program?
Families with vouchers can choose any 4-star or 5-star child care provider in the Subsidized Child Care Program. (Have questions about how to choose? Check out our page on finding child care).
What do I have to pay?
Parents pay 10% of their gross monthly income for vouchers. Child care providers are reimbursed at a rate set by the state for each child with a voucher. Some child care providers will add the difference between the state voucher rate and the private enrollment rate.
Where can I find more information?
Contact:
The Child Care Subsidy Unit
Buncombe County Health and Human Services
Phone: (828) 250-5500
More information from the North Carolina Division of Child Development.
Mountain Child Care Connections makes free referrals to child care and afterschool care. (877) 752-5955. They answer calls Monday through Friday, 8 am-12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm. If you leave a voicemail, they will return your call the next business day.
Read more on finding quality child care from Mountain Child Care Connections.
Email: childcareinfo@swcdcinc.org
Monthly Income Guidelines
Families must earn at or below these monthly gross income limits to receive a child care voucher. The limit is set at 200% of the federal poverty level.
Family Size | Income Limit |
---|---|
1 | $2,430 |
2 | $3,287 |
3 | $4,143 |
4 | $5,000 |
5 | $5,857 |
6 | $6,713 |
7 | $7,570 |
8 | $8,427 |
For families or households with more than 8, add $856 for each extra person.