Last verified: October 2026
Who runs child care assistance for Birmingham families?
The Alabama Department of Human Resources funds the Child Care Subsidy Program, and for Jefferson and Shelby counties it is managed by Child Care Central's Birmingham Region office on Bagby Drive, which also covers Blount, St. Clair and Walker. Childcare Resources, a Birmingham nonprofit, runs a separate Supplemental Child Care Program for Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker.
What are the income limits and fees?
DHR uses the federal poverty level: new applicants qualify up to 180% of poverty and current families can stay up to 200%. The weekly fee per child is $0 below 100% of poverty and rises in steps to $39 at 171-180%, with $42 and $45 tiers for continuing families above that.
Childcare Resources' program serves children from birth until they are kindergarten-eligible, requires a parent (or the parents combined) to work at least 30 hours a week, and keeps a first-come waiting list; review can take up to 90 days.
Can a subsidy pay for care at a private school?
Yes, when the school's preschool or aftercare is a participating provider. CHOOSE Act money cannot pay before- or after-care fees, so for working parents of K5 to grade 6 children a subsidy is often the only public help with the hours outside class.
What child care help covers vs what the ESA covers
| Child care subsidy | CHOOSE Act ESA |
|---|---|
| Infant, toddler, preschool and school-age care | K5-12 education costs only |
| Before- and after-school care | Not child care or aftercare fees |
| Income-tested every certification | No income test from 2027-28 |