Assistance with Child Care Expenses
Need Help Paying for Childcare? 2026-2027 Student Parent Programs Academic Year Subsidy Applications are now open!
UMass Amherst undergraduate and graduate students with dependent children may be eligible for child care assistance through Student Parent Programs (SPP). Subsidies can help cover the cost of child care, including daycare, before- and after-school care, school vacation programs, summer care, and certain temporary or emergency informal care arrangements.
On this page, you'll find eligibility requirements, covered child care expenses, and application instructions for SPP child care assistance.
Eligibility:
- To be eligible for SPP child care subsidies, you must:
- Be enrolled part-time or full-time in a degree-granting program at UMass Amherst
- Be caring for a dependent child
- Meet income eligibility criteria, similar to Pell income eligibility thresholds
- Have out of pocket child care expenses
How to Apply:
- Log in to AcademicWorks using your NetID and complete the General Scholarship Application.
- Then submit the Student Parent Programs Child Care Subsidy Application.
The deadline to apply for Fall 2026 child care subsidies is September 10, 2026.
Applications received after September 10, 2026, will be considered only if Fall funding remains available. Otherwise, they will be held for review during the Spring funding cycle.
Eligible Childcare Expenses for SPP Subsidies:
- Licensed and accredited (or equivalent) infant, toddler, and preschool care in center-based or home-based settings
- Before- and after-school programs
- Licensed summer programs and school vacation care
- Organization- or center-based full-day and half-day programs during school breaks and summer vacation
- Temporary or emergency childcare provided by family, friends, neighbors, or babysitters when licensed care is unavailable due to childcare closures, schedule conflicts, health concerns, or school breaks*
*Informal care is not eligible for federal CCAMPIS funding. Because most SPP funding is federally supported, subsidies are primarily available for care provided by licensed and accredited providers.
CCAMPIS at UMass:
CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) is a federally funded program that partially subsidizes eligible participants' childcare expenses directly to the student's childcare provider. Eligible CCAMPIS childcare providers include state licensed and accredited providers. CCAMPIS offers participants access to other support and resources to help students stay focused on their educational goals. Applying for CCAMPIS is easy and follows the same application process as our other childcare subsidies. See above for application details. If you are eligible for CCAMPIS funding, an SPP staff member will discuss the program in more detail during the application process. Note: CCAMPIS subsidies are federally funded and subject to federally mandated eligibility restrictions.
Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) Health and Welfare Trust Fund
The Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) childcare subsidy program provides subsidies for school-age dependent care to income eligible UMass graduate student employees working in a GEO-eligible position. The GEO Health and Welfare Trust childcare subsidy is administered by the UAW/UMass Health and Welfare Trust Fund. For the most up to date information and to answer any questions please contact @email
Information About Non-University Based Sources of Funding for Childcare
MA Income Eligible Child Care Voucher
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) provides childcare financial assistance for families in need. In order to be eligible for funding, you and your family must meet certain requirements. You may be placed on waiting list if funding is not immediately available.
If you are interested in applying for financial assistance, call Mass 211 or contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. If funding is available, you will receive a notice in the mail that asks you to schedule an appointment with your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. At this appointment you will complete an application and provide documents that verify your eligibility for childcare financial assistance.
Group Child Care Centers and Out of School Time Programs
Many group childcare centers and out of school time programs receive Department of Early Education and Care funding to help parents with the cost of childcare for eligible families. Some may also have independent scholarships, United Way funding or discounts for Military Families. As you call the programs to ask if they have an opening for your child, also ask if they have scholarships, financial aid, or other funding to help pay for the care.
Head Start Programs (click here for more information about MA Head Start)
Head start is a federally funded program with full and/or part time hours that serve preschool-age children and their families. Many Head Start programs also provide Early Head Start, which serves infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office connects UMass students to the support, resources, and referrals they need to be successful, acts as a single point of contact for families in crisis, and advocates on behalf of students. Visit the Dean of Students Office Basic Needs page for assistance with housing, food insecurity, finances, legal questions, employment, and more. They also offer a Short Term Loan Program and a Micro Grant Fund intended to assist students in unexpected, emergency situations. Their friendly staff are available to help answer questions at 413-545-2684.
Student Care Supply Closets
The Dean of Students Office manages the Student Care Supply Closets which provide free toiletries and household items to students who are facing economic insecurity and/or an unexpected financial emergency.
Contact Us
103 Bartlett Hall
130 Hicks Way
@email
413-545-7172
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
or by appointment