Afterschool & Summer Programs for Single Mothers in Kentucky

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick emergency help

• If a child is in immediate danger: Call 911 right now. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Kentucky Child/Adult Abuse Hotline: Call (877) 597-2331 or (800) 752-6200. Online non-emergency reports are reviewed weekdays only. (chfs.ky.gov, prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov)
• 24/7 mental health and crisis support: Dial 988 for call, text, or chat with trained counselors. (National resource.)
• Find local help fast: Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211 to reach Kentucky 211 for child care, food, housing, and counseling referrals. Website and statewide number (888) 322-2154 also available. (kentucky211.org)

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Quick reference cheat sheet

Sources include the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), USDA, Kentucky Out‑of‑School Alliance (KYOSA), Boys & Girls Clubs, and the YMCA. Details and direct links appear throughout the guide. (chfs.ky.gov, apps.legislature.ky.gov, fns.usda.gov, kyoutofschoolalliance.org, bgcky.org, hopkinscountyymca.com)

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The fastest path to coverage

• Start with CCAP if you pay for afterschool or summer care: It can cover licensed school‑age programs, before/after school, and full‑day summer care. Decisions must be issued within 30 days. Apply by phone (855) 306‑8959 or on kynect. (apps.legislature.ky.gov, chfs.ky.gov)
• Check your child’s school for a 21st CCLC program: These centers are free and run by districts and community partners across Kentucky. (education.ky.gov)
• Use SUN Meals and Summer EBT to cut food costs: Free summer meals sites run statewide, and Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child. (fns.usda.gov, chfs.ky.gov, feedingky.org)
• Layer in community programs: Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, Parks & Recreation, libraries, and 4‑H offer affordable afterschool and camps, often with scholarships. (bgcky.org, hopkinscountyymca.com, louisvilleky.gov, lexingtonky.gov)

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Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program for school‑age and summer care

Why this matters: CCAP is Kentucky’s main way to lower your out‑of‑pocket cost for licensed afterschool and summer child care.

What CCAP can pay for: Licensed or certified providers that offer before/after school care and full‑day care on breaks and over the summer. The state pays up to your county’s daily maximum, and you may owe a co‑pay and any “overage” if a provider charges more than the state maximum. (chfs.ky.gov)

Eligibility basics:

• Income rule: Family income must be at or below 85 percent of Kentucky State Median Income at application and at recertification. Eligibility then continues for the 12‑month period unless income rises above 85 percent SMI. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Activity rule: You can qualify if you are working, in approved education or training, actively job‑seeking (at least a three‑month eligibility window), a teen parent in high school, or receiving services through Protection and Permanency. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Special stability rule: If you go over the income limit while on CCAP, there is a six‑month transitional period where benefits can continue at a reduced payment to the provider. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

How much the state pays: Payment caps vary by county and by age, part‑day vs full‑day, and provider type. Below are examples for Licensed Type I providers from Kentucky’s official DCC‑300 rate chart.

These are state maximums that CCAP can pay before your co‑pay and any provider “overage.” Always confirm your provider’s posted tuition. (chfs.ky.gov)

Add‑on payments that increase the state rate:

• Accredited provider add‑on: $5 per day.
• Nontraditional hours add‑on: $10 per day for care between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. or Friday evening through Monday morning.
• Special care add‑on: $5 per day for children with special needs and certain older youth. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Family co‑pay examples: Co‑pays are set as a daily amount based on monthly gross income and family size. A few examples from the regulation’s chart are shown below.

Full chart is in the regulation linked below. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

How to apply:

• Phone: Call (855) 306‑8959 to apply or ask questions. Free interpreter services line (866) 291‑8931 is available.
• Online: Apply through kynect benefits.
• 30‑day decision window: DCBS must send your notice within 30 calendar days of receiving your application. (chfs.ky.gov, apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Required documents:

• Proof of identity and Kentucky residency.
• Birthdates for your children.
• Verification of your work, training, education, or job search.
• Proof of all household income before taxes.
• Immunization record exceptions apply when already provided to your licensed child care or school. (hdilearning.org, apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Timeline reality check: If you respond quickly to document requests, approvals often come sooner, but plan on the full 30 days. You cannot receive payment until approval. If you are job‑seeking, CCAP provides at least three months of eligibility to secure a job. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

If approved: Ask your provider to explain your exact weekly share. CCAP covers the state maximum plus add‑ons; you owe your daily co‑pay and any overage if tuition exceeds the state cap. (chfs.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your employer about Kentucky’s Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership where the state matches employer contributions based on your income level, up to a percentage shown in state rules.
• Check free or low‑cost programs such as 21st CCLC, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA scholarships, and Parks & Rec camps.
• Call Kentucky 211 for local child care scholarships and church‑ or nonprofit‑run programs. (chfs.ky.gov, casetext.com, kentucky211.org)

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Free school‑based afterschool and summer learning

Program name: 21st Century Community Learning Centers

What you get: Academic enrichment, homework help, and engaging activities after school and during summer. Many centers also offer family literacy or parent workshops. Programs serve schools with higher poverty levels and are run by districts and community partners. (education.ky.gov)

Cost for families: Free at participating schools. Example district pages explicitly note that 21st CCLC programs are free of charge for families. (hardin.kyschools.us)

How to find a center:

• Ask your school office or Family Resource/Youth Services Center about 21st CCLC offerings.
• Contact KDE staff listed on the 21st CCLC page if your school is unsure and you need help locating the nearest program. (education.ky.gov)

Scale in Kentucky: KYOSA reports 177 21st CCLC sites statewide among more than 1,280 regulated school‑age providers, highlighting many options beyond school campuses. (kyoutofschoolalliance.org)

Typical schedule and supports: School dismissal until early evening on school days, with summer hours varying. Many sites include snacks through child nutrition programs. Confirm exact hours with your site. (education.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your school lacks a 21st CCLC site, ask your FRYSC coordinator about tutoring, clubs, or transportation to community options.
• Use CCAP to help pay for a licensed afterschool program.
• Contact Kentucky 211 for other afterschool options near you. (chfs.ky.gov, kentucky211.org)

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Summer food and grocery benefits that stretch your camp budget

Free summer meals: Sites across Kentucky serve healthy meals and snacks to kids 18 and under at no cost during summer. Use the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder and confirm hours with the site. Rural areas may offer SUN Meals To‑Go pick‑up. (fns.usda.gov)

Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): Kentucky’s Summer EBT benefit provides $120 per eligible child to help buy groceries during summer. Many students are automatically enrolled if they receive SNAP, KTAP, Kinship Care, or were approved for free or reduced‑price school meals by May 15, 2025. Households at CEP schools who did not file a meal application can apply online. For help, call (855) 306‑8959. Benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so use them first. (chfs.ky.gov, feedingky.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If no nearby meal site shows up early in the season, check back because USDA updates the map weekly.
• Call Kentucky 211 and local schools, libraries, or Parks & Rec for pop‑up sites or late‑season options. (fns.usda.gov, kentucky211.org)

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Community programs with real prices and scholarships

Below are typical, verifiable price points for 2025 so you can compare quickly. Always ask about CCAP acceptance and financial assistance.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana: Ages 6‑12 at $10 per month, teens free. Multiple club sites in Louisville. Phone (502) 585‑5437. (bgcky.org)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati (serves Northern Kentucky): Afterschool membership is free, and summer camp is free at freestanding locations in NKY and Cincinnati. NKY club phone (859) 655‑9415 (Newport). (bgcgc.org)
• YMCA of Greater Louisville school‑age care: Parochial and private school programs list starting weekly rates around $76 per week for the first child, with registration fees and financial assistance available. Ask about CCAP. (ylui-prod.oneeach.net)
• Hopkins County Family YMCA (Western KY) afterschool: $65perweek\ast \ast memberand\ast \ast$85 per week non‑member, registration $35\ast \ast .Summercamp\ast \ast$135 per week. Phone (270) 821‑9622. (hopkinscountyymca.com)
• Lexington Parks & Recreation camps: Examples include day camps priced $150–$175 per session with Count Me In scholarships covering 50 percent for qualifying households. Registration opens late winter, so set reminders. (lexingtonky.gov)
• Louisville Parks & Recreation camps: Week‑long camps priced at $60perweek\ast \ast plusa\ast \ast$20 one‑time registration fee, typically running mid‑June through early August. (louisvilleky.gov)
• 4‑H county day and residential camps: Fees vary by county and camp length, with many counties offering scholarships. Current examples include Franklin County $250\ast \ast fora5‑daycampwithscholarships,PulaskiCounty\ast \ast$325 with partial scholarships, and Floyd County $200–$325 depending on early registration and availability. Contact your county Extension office for exact prices and deadlines. (franklin.ca.uky.edu, pulaski.ca.uky.edu, floyd.o2.boa.ca.uky.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask about sliding scale and fee waivers when you call.
• Use CCAP to reduce costs with licensed providers.
• Check your school’s FRYSC for vouchers or transportation help to a safe afterschool site. (chfs.ky.gov)

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Finding and contacting programs near you

• State child care search: Use CHFS Find Child Care to locate licensed school‑age programs that can accept CCAP. If you need language help, free interpreter services are available at (866) 291‑8931. Apply or check benefits by calling (855) 306‑8959. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Kentucky 211: Dial 211 or (888) 322‑2154 and request afterschool programs, summer camps, and scholarship referrals by county. (kentucky211.org)
• Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSC): More than 850 school‑based centers help families connect to tutoring, enrichment, transportation solutions, and basic needs. Find your district’s FRYSC or contact the state FRYSC Division. Jefferson County Public Schools FRYSC office main line (502) 485‑3703. (chfs.ky.gov, jefferson.kyschools.us)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to list all income: Report gross income and changes quickly to avoid over‑ or under‑payments. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Waiting to apply: CCAP can only pay from the approval date forward. You cannot get back pay for days before approval. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Not checking the provider’s rate vs state maximum: If tuition is higher than the state cap, you pay the difference plus your co‑pay. Verify before you enroll. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Missing the Summer EBT school‑meal deadline: If your child attends a CEP school and you did not submit a meal application, you may need to file a Summer EBT application on kynect. (chfs.ky.gov)

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Quick reference tables

CCAP at a glance

Sources are CHFS and Kentucky Administrative Regulations. (apps.legislature.ky.gov, chfs.ky.gov)

CCAP county payment examples for Licensed Type I providers

Official DCC‑300 rate chart linked by CHFS. (chfs.ky.gov)

21st CCLC essentials

KDE maintains the statewide program and publishes aggregate reports. (education.ky.gov)

Summer nutrition support

USDA FNS and CHFS provide statewide guidance. (fns.usda.gov, chfs.ky.gov)

Community program price points

Verify current season pricing with your local site. (bgcky.org, bgcgc.org, hopkinscountyymca.com, louisvilleky.gov, lexingtonky.gov)

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Steps to apply for help quickly

• CCAP application first: Call (855) 306‑8959 or apply on kynect. If English is not your first language, call the interpreter line (866) 291‑8931. Expect up to 30 days for a decision. (chfs.ky.gov, apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Ask your school about 21st CCLC: If your school participates, enroll your child for free afterschool and summer learning. (education.ky.gov)
• Stack food supports: Use USDA’s site finder and Summer EBT to reduce your grocery costs while kids are home. (fns.usda.gov, chfs.ky.gov)
• Price shop with state maximums: When comparing licensed programs, match the county’s daily maximum against tuition to estimate your share. (chfs.ky.gov)

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Application checklist

• Photo ID and proof of Kentucky residency: Driver’s license, state ID, or official mail.
• Children’s information: Birthdates and, if available, Social Security numbers.
• Income verification: Recent pay stubs, award letters, or self‑employment records for all household earners.
• Activity verification: Work schedule, school enrollment, or job‑search documentation.
• Provider information: Name, address, and provider number if known.
• Special situations: Medical or educational documentation if your child has special needs.

These are standard items DCBS may request during the CCAP interview and verification process. (hdilearning.org)

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Diverse communities and targeted tips

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Safety and belonging: When touring programs, ask about anti‑bullying policies and inclusive family practices. Language support: If staff communication is a barrier, request a free interpreter via CHFS at (866) 291‑8931 during your CCAP process. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or raising disabled children: Special care add‑on: CCAP pays an extra $5 per day for children with special needs in eligible settings. Ask about inclusion: Many 21st CCLC and YMCA programs offer accommodations; confirm before enrolling. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Veteran and active‑duty mothers: Military Fee Assistance: If on‑base care is unavailable, DoD programs like MCCYN and Army Fee Assistance can reduce your child care bill. Kentucky participates in MCCYN‑PLUS, expanding eligible community providers in the state. Start at Child Care Aware of America or MilitaryChildCare.com. (childcareaware.org)
• Immigrant and refugee moms: No English, no problem: Free interpreter support is available at (866) 291‑8931 when applying for CCAP. Program access: Ask providers about language access for homework help and family events. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Tribal citizens living in Kentucky: Use federal supports: If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, ask your tribal education office about youth supports you can use while living in Kentucky, and combine them with Kentucky school‑based options like 21st CCLC and FRYSC connections. (education.ky.gov, chfs.ky.gov)
• Rural single moms: SUN Meals To‑Go can reduce long drives for summer meals in designated rural areas, and 21st CCLC sites may provide bus transport home at some schools. Check with your district. (fns.usda.gov)
• Single fathers and kinship caregivers: Equal access: CCAP rules apply the same to dads and caregivers acting in loco parentis. Ask your FRYSC about kinship supports and tutoring links. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Language access: Interpreter services: For any CHFS interaction, request an interpreter at (866) 291‑8931 at no cost. (chfs.ky.gov)

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Regional resource snapshots

• Louisville/Jefferson County:
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana: (502) 585‑5437.
  • Louisville Parks & Recreation camps: Weekly $60\ast \ast plus\ast \ast$20 registration.
  • FRYSC support in JCPS: Main line (502) 485‑3703. (bgcky.org, louisvilleky.gov, jefferson.kyschools.us)
• Lexington/Fayette County:
  • Parks & Recreation camps: $150–$175 per session with 50 percent scholarships for qualifying families.
  • Check schools for 21st CCLC or ESS tutoring during and after the school year. (lexingtonky.gov)
• Northern Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell):
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati in Newport and Covington serve NKY youth, free membership.
  • County school districts may host 21st CCLC sites. (bgcgc.org)
• Western Kentucky (Madisonville/Hopkins, Daviess/Owensboro):
  • Hopkins County Family YMCA afterschool: $65–$85 per week; camp $135 per week.
  • Daviess County CCAP max for school‑age full/part day is $29\ast \ast /\ast \ast$29. (hopkinscountyymca.com, chfs.ky.gov)
• Eastern Kentucky (Floyd, Pike and neighbors):
  • 4‑H camps: Common fees $200–$325 with scholarships in many counties. Ask your Extension office early. (floyd.o2.boa.ca.uky.edu)

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Realistic timelines

• CCAP decision: Within 30 days of application. Benefits start no earlier than your approval date. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• 21st CCLC enrollment: Usually same week if your school runs a program and seats are open. Ask about bus transportation and waitlists. (education.ky.gov)
• Summer EBT: Automatic issuance for many families once school data is finalized; manual applications open on kynect if needed. Plan for several weeks from application to card issuance and activation. (chfs.ky.gov)
• Parks/Rec, YMCA, and 4‑H: Registration opens months ahead and fills fast. Scholarship windows may close early, so sign up when registration opens. (lexingtonky.gov)

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Plan B playbook if you hit a wall

• Employer match: Ask HR if they participate in Kentucky’s Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership so the state can match employer contributions toward your child care bill. This is separate from CCAP and uses a sliding state match by household income. (chfs.ky.gov, casetext.com)
• Youth employment: For teens, SummerWorks Louisville places ages 16–21 in paid summer jobs and training, which can reduce camp costs for older kids. (louisvilleky.gov, kentuckianaworks.org)
• Workforce help: Kentucky Career Centers can provide supportive services such as transportation and sometimes child care or dependent care for eligible youth and young parents in training. (kcc.ky.gov, ckycareers.com)

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Ten Kentucky‑specific FAQs

• What programs in Kentucky will pay for my child’s afterschool care: CCAP pays licensed providers up to the county maximum. School‑based 21st CCLC is free where available. Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and Parks & Rec offer low‑cost options with scholarships. (chfs.ky.gov, education.ky.gov)
• How much will CCAP actually cover for afterschool: The state pays up to the county daily maximum for your child’s age and provider type. Example in Jefferson, Fayette, and Kenton counties is $32\ast \ast perdayforschool‑age\ast \ast part‑day\ast \ast and\ast \ast$37 per day for full‑day. You pay your daily co‑pay and any overage above the state cap. (chfs.ky.gov)
• What income counts for CCAP: CCAP uses gross income for the applicant and the responsible adult, with approval if your total is at or below 85 percent of SMI. Some cases like Protection and Permanency can be approved without regard to income. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• How soon will I hear back after I apply for CCAP: DCBS must issue a decision within 30 days and cannot pay benefits before approval. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Can I get CCAP while I am looking for a job: Yes, at least three months of eligibility is available for job search, which also applies after a job loss. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Are there extra funds for night or weekend shifts: Yes, CCAP pays a $10perday\ast \ast add‑onfornontraditionalhours,plus\ast \ast$5 per day if your provider is nationally accredited. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
• Is 21st CCLC really free: Yes, at funded schools the program is free to participating students, with activities and snacks included in many sites. Ask your school for details. (hardin.kyschools.us)
• Where do I find free summer meals: Use the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder or text FOOD to 304‑304. Kentucky sites update weekly during summer. (fns.usda.gov)
• How much is Summer EBT: $120 per eligible child for Summer 2025 in Kentucky, issued on EBT cards. Many kids qualify automatically based on school meal status or participation in SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care. (feedingky.org)
• Who can help me one‑on‑one if I am stuck: Call Kentucky 211, your school’s FRYSC, or the CCAP line (855) 306‑8959. KDE’s 21st CCLC staff can also direct you to the nearest center. (kentucky211.org, chfs.ky.gov, education.ky.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: We research official Kentucky and federal sources and established statewide nonprofits to turn complicated rules into clear steps you can use today.

Our research standards: We rely on Kentucky CHFS, KDE, USDA FNS, Kentucky General Assembly regulations, and recognized nonprofits such as KYOSA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and YMCA for verified information and live links. See citations throughout this guide. Our full editorial standards are here. (chfs.ky.gov)

Verification window: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Contact for corrections: Email info@asinglemother.org if you find outdated links or changing fees. We commit to timely updates.

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Disclaimer

Important: Program rules, rates, and enrollment windows change. Always confirm details with the agency or provider before you enroll or pay fees. This guide is for general information and is not legal advice, case management, or a guarantee of approval. We do not collect personal data on this page, and we link directly to government and nonprofit sites to keep your browsing path secure.

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