Childcare Assistance for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Where to start

Start with your exact situation. Tennessee has more than one child care path, and choosing the right one can save time.

For broader help, see ASMOM’s child care help guide and the Tennessee grants guide.

Quick reference table

Tennessee child care programs

Tennessee’s main subsidy is called Child Care Payment Assistance. It is also known as the Child Care Certificate Program. TDHS says the program helps eligible families pay for child care so parents or guardians can work, attend school, or take part in approved training.

Smart Steps

Smart Steps is for income-eligible parents or guardians who work, attend an undergraduate post-secondary program, or do both for an average of 30 or more hours per week. The child must be from 6 weeks old through kindergarten age. TDHS also says graduate programs may count up to 6 hours toward the weekly requirement.

Use the current income chart before you apply. As of the October 1, 2025 chart, families must have countable monthly gross income below 85% of Tennessee State Median Income to qualify. Families actively receiving Smart Steps may have a Smart Steps Plus rule at redetermination if adding a new spouse or income changes; ask TDHS before assuming you qualify.

Families First child care

Families First is Tennessee’s TANF program. It can include temporary cash help, work supports, transportation, child care, education supports, and job training. If you already receive Families First, ask your caseworker how child care fits your plan. You can read ASMOM’s TANF help page and the official Families First application page.

Transitional Child Care

Transitional Child Care may be available for up to 18 months after a Families First case closes. Parents usually must work 30 or more hours per week. If your Families First case is closing because you started work, ask about this before your child care ends.

Teen Parent Child Care

This program may help teen parents ages 13 to 19 who are enrolled in middle school or high school. TDHS says school staff can verify that school enrollment requirements are met. If you are pregnant or parenting while in school, also ask your counselor about transportation, school social worker help, and local Early Head Start options.

At-Risk Child Only

This path can help relatives caring for a child in a Families First child-only case. It often applies to grandparents, aunts, or uncles. The guardian must work or attend school 30 or more hours per week.

Referral-based child care

Some families enter child care assistance through another agency. This can include SNAP Employment and Training, the Department of Children’s Services, mental health or substance use recovery programs, and some reemployment programs. If you are in SNAP E&T, ask your career navigator about SNAP E&T child care support. ASMOM also has Tennessee guides for job training help and mental health resources.

Costs, copays, and overages

Do not assume the subsidy will make care free. Tennessee’s current copay chart says the weekly parent copay is calculated as 5% of countable monthly gross household income, divided by 4.3, then divided evenly among eligible children in care. The chart also says the provider may charge extra costs, including a cost difference or overage if the provider charges more than the state pays.

TDHS announced that beginning October 1, 2025, every family approved for Child Care Payment Assistance will be assessed a 5% copay based on income. TDHS says copays remain waived for some families approved through Families First, Early Head Start partnership, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and DCS services. Check the funding update before you decide what you can afford.

Note: This table is a short copy of the October 1, 2025 TDHS chart. Always use the live TDHS chart for your household size and current rules.

These are weekly state rates from the January 1, 2026 rate chart. Providers with higher QRIS scores may receive a state quality bonus. A child identified with disabilities or special needs may qualify for a 15% differential. Infants may also have a 15% differential. Ask the provider to put your copay, overage, and extra fees in writing before your child starts.

How to apply

TDHS says families can apply online through One DHS or use a paper application and submit it to a local TDHS office. Online is usually the easiest because you can upload documents, check status, and manage your case.

1. Create or log in to One DHS.
2. Choose Child Care Payment Assistance.
3. Complete the application or waitlist steps shown for your situation.
4. Upload documents in the Child Care Services Dashboard.
5. Watch for email or portal notices asking for more information.
6. Keep copies of everything you submit.

TDHS says applications cannot be reviewed until all required documents are submitted. If more documents are needed, you should receive an email with instructions. If you do not submit documents correctly or on time, your application may be denied and you may need to reapply.

Documents to gather

Need help with other basics while you apply? ASMOM has Tennessee guides for WIC help, health care help, and baby items.

Find a provider that works with assistance

Use the Find Child Care page or the One DHS locator. Search by address, provider name, or county. To find providers that accept subsidy, use the “Accepts Child Care Assistance Program” filter.

Before you enroll, ask the provider these questions:

• Are you enrolled in the Child Care Certificate Program?
• Do you have an opening for my child’s age and schedule?
• What will I owe each week besides my TDHS copay?
• Do you charge registration, supply, activity, field trip, late pickup, or absent-day fees?
• Will you give me the full cost in writing?

For help comparing options, call the CCR&R Referral Line at 866-296-3422 or visit CCR&R. To report suspected licensing violations or illegal child care operations, use the complaints page or call 1-800-462-8261.

If you are denied, delayed, or waitlisted

First, find out what happened. A denial because documents were missing is different from a denial because you do not meet a rule. A waitlist is different from a final denial. Keep every notice and write down each call, date, and person you spoke with.

• Log in to One DHS and check the child care dashboard.
• Use the office locator if you need your regional child care office.
• Use the Certificate Program page to check which path may fit you.
• Ask if a different path fits: Families First, SNAP E&T, teen parent, Transitional Child Care, At-Risk Child Only, or DCS referral.
• Ask Head Start, your school district, and 211 about short-term care or emergency family support.

If the child care issue is tied to work, school, or training, ask your employer, school, or workforce worker to write a short letter confirming your schedule and why child care is needed. Keep the tone factual.