Last verified: October 2026
Who qualifies for publicly funded child care in Hamilton, Butler, Warren or Clermont County?
Families with gross income at or below 145% of poverty at entry who are working, in school or in an approved training program. Under the income standards Ohio adopted for October 1, 2026, that is $3,988 a month for a household of four. Apply through Ohio Benefits or your county Job and Family Services office: Hamilton (513) 946-1800, Butler (513) 887-4100, Warren (513) 695-1420 or Clermont (513) 732-7111.
Hamilton County JFS also takes paper packets at 222 E. Central Parkway, third floor.
What is the Child Care Choice Voucher, and who in Southwest Ohio can use it?
A voucher for employed parents whose income is too high for the regular subsidy (over 145% of poverty) but no more than 200%, or $5,500 a month for a household of four under the October 1, 2026 tables. The application goes through Ohio Benefits, like the subsidy.
Who can use the Ohio Preschool Program in the Cincinnati area?
Children not yet old enough for kindergarten in households at or below 200% of poverty, at programs that hold an Ohio Preschool Program grant. 4C for Children, the region's child care resource agency, can point families to participating sites but does not pay tuition itself.
Can child care money cover aftercare at a Cincinnati private school?
Sometimes. If the school's extended-day program is licensed and enrolled as a subsidy provider, the county can pay part of it; the voucher never will. Ask the front office whether its aftercare takes county child care funding.
| Program line | Monthly income |
|---|---|
| Publicly funded child care, at entry (145%) | $3,988 |
| Choice Voucher ceiling and Ohio Preschool Program (200%) | $5,500 |
| Ongoing PFCC eligibility ceiling (300%) | $8,250 |