Wyoming Childcare Assistance for Single Mothers: 2025 Ultimate Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is your no‑fluff, step‑by‑step hub to lower your childcare costs in Wyoming, fast. Every number and rule below comes from the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), the Wyoming Department of Health, and other official sources. Links are direct and descriptive so you can click through and apply right away.

(dfs.wyo.gov)

Quick help (read this first)

• Apply online for childcare help now through Wyoming’s new ECARES portal. It’s live statewide. If you already got assistance before, check your mailbox/email for your ECARES access code, or create an account and apply. Support is available by phone at 307‑777‑7564 or toll‑free 800‑457‑3659. Use the ECARES page to start. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Find licensed providers near you and see complaint history at the official Wyoming DFS “Find Child Care” site: Search the Facility Discovery directory. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• If you’re mid‑application and your childcare starts sooner, ask your provider to hold your spot and keep proof of your work/school schedule. Wyoming pays only for hours that overlap with your job/classes. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Need food/everyday support while your childcare case is pending? Call 211 (or 888‑425‑7138) to reach Wyoming 211 for referrals, or apply for SNAP with DFS (interview line 307‑777‑8550). (wyoming211.org, dfs.wyo.gov)
• Prefer in‑person help? Use DFS’s county office finder to call your nearest field office: Find your local DFS office. Or try Sheridan County’s office (307‑672‑2404) or Park County/Cody (307‑587‑6246) for a quick idea of what to ask at your own office. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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What changed in 2025 (and why this guide beats the top search results)

We checked the current top search results for “Wyoming Childcare Assistance for Single Mothers.” Most posts missed the big 2025 update (the ECARES launch), didn’t include Wyoming’s actual co‑pays or daily reimbursement rates, and rarely linked to the sliding fee chart that dictates your out‑of‑pocket costs. Below you’ll get:

• The exact ECARES link and what you’ll see in your dashboard.
• The official 04/01/2025–03/31/2026 sliding fee chart (with co‑pays down to the penny).
• Real daily maximums Wyoming pays providers, by age and setting.
• Clear examples with math, so you can estimate your real monthly bill.
• County office contacts and complaint lookup links.

(dfs.wyo.gov, drive.google.com)

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Wyoming Child Care Subsidy Program (DFS): Start here

Action step: Apply in ECARES today

ECARES (Early Childhood Access Resources and Eligibility System) is the state’s one‑stop system to:

• check your eligibility,
• apply/renew childcare assistance,
• browse providers, and
• see estimated monthly costs based on your eligibility.

Parents can check eligibility without logging in; full features require a login. ECARES went live August 4, 2025. (dfs.wyo.gov)

• Start/application help: ECARES for Child Care Access (DFS)
• DFS phone support: 307‑777‑7564 or 800‑457‑3659. (dfs.wyo.gov)

What you’ll need in ECARES:

• Email + password.
• Family and household details.
• Income evidence (recent pay stubs; self‑employed will enter business income and expenses).
• Work or school schedule.
• Intended care start date. (dfs.wyo.gov)

If you prefer paper or have trouble online, ask your county DFS office for help or email documents (some forms still accept email). Use the DFS office finder: Find your local DFS office. (dfs.wyo.gov)

What DFS pays for — and when

• DFS pays part of your childcare cost for approved activities (work or employment‑related education). If two adults live in your home, both must be in approved activities at the same time to cover the same hours. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• DFS only pays for hours that overlap with your work/classes. Drop‑off early or pick‑up late beyond those hours is on you. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Your start date (“date of eligibility”) is the later of: the day you applied, the first day your child received care, or the day your approved activity began. DFS reviews cases at least every six months. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Who qualifies: income limits and approved activities

Wyoming uses a sliding fee scale with “Steps.” New applicants must be at Step 4 (175% of Federal Poverty Level) or lower. Families who are already on assistance can keep help at higher Steps (Transitional Steps 5–6) if income rises, and some continuing families can qualify up to 85% of State Median Income (SMI) under specific categories. Always report changes. (drive.google.com)

Initial eligibility: maximum monthly gross income (Step 4 – 175% FPL)

Effective 04/01/2025–03/31/2026. If your monthly gross is at or below the right‑hand number for your household size, you can apply as a new case.

Source: “Child Care Sliding Fee Scale, Effective 04/01/25–03/31/26.” (drive.google.com)

Transitional income windows (for current recipients who get a raise)

• Step 5 (200% FPL) and Step 6 (225% FPL) monthly ranges keep many families eligible after a wage increase.
• For certain continuing cases, DFS lists an “EAs only” cap up to 85% of SMI (monthly): 1 person $4,230\ast \ast ,2\ast \ast$5,531, 3 $6,833\ast \ast ,4\ast \ast$8,134, 5 $9,436\ast \ast ,6\ast \ast$10,737, 7 $10,981\ast \ast ,8\ast \ast$11,225. Ask your worker what category fits you. (drive.google.com)

Approved activities (most common)

• Working for pay (including two jobs).
• Employment‑related education, including a first bachelor’s degree. If two adults are in the home, both must be in approved activities during the hours you want covered. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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What you’ll pay: Wyoming’s daily co‑pays (per child)

Your co‑pay is a flat daily amount per child, based on your Step. These are the statewide co‑pays DFS uses when figuring your share.

Source: DFS Child Care Sliding Fee Scale, effective 04/01/2025. (drive.google.com)

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How much DFS pays your provider: 2025 maximum daily rates

Wyoming sets maximum reimbursement rates from a market survey. If your provider charges more than the DFS maximum, you pay the difference. DFS will not pay higher than your provider’s usual rate for non‑assisted families. (dfs.wyo.gov)

Legally exempt provider flat rates

• Part day: $12.09/day
• Full day: $24.19/day (drive.google.com)

Licensed care: maximum PART‑DAY rates (<5 hours)

Licensed care: maximum FULL‑DAY rates (≥5 hours)

Source for all rate tables above: DFS Table I, “Child Care Sliding Fee Scale – Effective 04/01/25–03/31/26.” (drive.google.com)

Reality check:

• These are maximums. If your center charges $38\ast \ast forafull‑day2–3‑year‑oldclassroom,DFScanpayonlyupto\ast \ast$32 per day; you pay the $6 difference plus your co‑pay. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Example: What is my real daily cost?

Say you’re a two‑person household (you and your 3‑year‑old) making $2,900/month\ast \ast gross.That’swithinStep4(upperlimit\ast \ast$3,084/month for household of 2). Your full‑day Step‑4 co‑pay is $6.40/day\ast \ast .Yourtoddler’scentercharges\ast \ast$38/day full day; DFS max is $32. You’ll pay:

• Co‑pay: $6.40
• Over‑max difference: **$6.00\ast \ast (because$38 − $32)
• Your total per day: $12.40\ast \ast ;DFSpaysupto\ast \ast$32.

Over 20 full‑day care days, your share would be about $248/month\ast \ast .DFSwouldpayupto\ast \ast$640/month to the provider (assuming authorized hours match). (drive.google.com, dfs.wyo.gov)

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Application checklist (what to gather before you click “Apply”)

You’ll enter all of this in ECARES. If you can’t upload, ask your local office how to submit safely. Forms like Employer’s Statement and Self‑Employment Statement are linked from DFS’s Child Care page. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Timeline: what to expect after you apply

• Your “date of eligibility” is the later of your application date, the first day your child got care, or the day your approved activity started. Keep receipts and schedules. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Reviews happen at least every six months; keep your contact info current in ECARES. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• If you don’t see movement or need to confirm documents were received, call DFS at 307‑777‑7564 or your county office (use the finder). (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Finding and vetting a provider (don’t skip this)

• Use the official directory: Wyoming DFS Facility Discovery to search by zip, hours, and age group. (findchildcarewy.org)
• Complaint transparency: after a licensing investigation closes, substantiated findings post to the website within 10 days. Read the details to decide if a provider fits your comfort level. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Not all programs take DFS subsidy. Ask up front: “Do you accept Wyoming DFS subsidy?” If not, ECARES still lists programs and can estimate your cost. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Not aligning care hours with your job/classes. DFS pays only for overlapping hours. Keep your employer or registrar letters current. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Starting care before applying and assuming back pay. Benefits can’t start before the later of application, first day of care, or activity start. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Choosing an unregistered caregiver. DFS will only pay licensed providers or those legally exempt who complete required steps (sign up with DFS, pass checks, meet health/safety basics). (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Forgetting to report income changes. Transitional help may keep you eligible even with a raise — but only if you tell DFS. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Ignoring provider complaint history. Always check the Facility Discovery portal before enrolling. (dfs.wyo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call your county DFS office and ask for a case status check and whether any verification is missing. Use the county office finder or main line 307‑777‑7564. If you suspect an error, ask for a supervisor review. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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If you’re denied or the numbers don’t work: solid Plan B options

• Head Start/Early Head Start (free). Find programs close to you with the Head Start Locator. Admission is income‑based and always free to eligible families. (headstart.gov)
• SNAP (food benefits), so you can free up cash for care. For FY2025, the max monthly benefits in the 48 states are: 3 people $768\ast \ast ,4people\ast \ast$975, 5 people $1,158. Apply with DFS; interview line 307‑777‑8550. (fns.usda.gov, dfs.wyo.gov)
• WIC (pregnant, postpartum, and kids under 5). Monthly fruit/veg cash value benefit (FY2025): children $26\ast \ast ,pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47, fully/mostly breastfeeding $52\ast \ast ;infants6–11monthscansubstitutejarredfruits/veggiesfor\ast \ast$11/$22 CVB. Call 307‑777‑7494 or 888‑996‑9378. How to apply for WIC. (fns-prod.azureedge.us, health.wyo.gov)
• POWER (Wyoming’s TANF cash assistance). POWER can help with job search and may help stabilize child care and transportation while you work your plan. A family of three with no income can receive about $781/month (POWER Work Program). Start with your local DFS office. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• One‑on‑one help finding local scholarships and church/charity programs: Call 211 (or text your ZIP to 898211). Specialists can search for sliding‑fee care, afterschool programs, and emergency help near you. (wyoming211.org)

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Tribal and rural pathways

• Eastern Shoshone CCDF (childcare assistance): 307‑332‑7254 (Fort Washakie). (acf.hhs.gov)
• Northern Arapaho Nation CCDF/TANF: 307‑857‑2436 (Riverton). (acf.hhs.gov)
• County DFS pages for Fremont/tribal areas: start here and select your location: Fremont County & Tribal Locations (DFS). (dfs.wyo.gov)

Tips for rural families:

• Ask about legally exempt providers (e.g., a neighbor who meets safety requirements and registers with DFS). Exempt daily rates are lower (see table) but can bridge gaps where no licensed slots exist. (drive.google.com)

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Diverse Communities: tailored tips and resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Use the same ECARES process. If you prefer non‑discrimination‑explicit programs, read each provider’s handbook and check complaint histories. Wyoming 211 can filter programs and supports near you. (wyoming211.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Call your local Child Development Center for free screening and supports via the state’s Early Intervention and Education Program (EIEP). Numbers include: Casper 307‑235‑5097, Cheyenne 307‑632‑2991, Jackson 307‑733‑1616, Sheridan 307‑672‑6610. Ask about part‑day therapies that can pair with DFS subsidy. (health.wyo.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: If you’re employed by the VA, check HR about any employer childcare programs. For community supports (housing/utility help while you line up care), call 211 to identify veteran‑specific resources in your county. (wyoming211.org)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms (with eligible status): DFS requires proof of identity and that the child is a U.S. citizen or legally present; you may not need a Social Security Number to apply for childcare assistance. If English isn’t your first language, bring a trusted adult or ask the office for language help. (casetext.com)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Contact your tribe’s CCDF office first (numbers above) to compare tribal vs. state subsidy rules and pick what fits best. Some tribal programs offer non‑traditional hours. (acf.hhs.gov)
• Rural families with limited access: If the nearest licensed center is full, ask DFS how to get a legally exempt caregiver registered. Then use ECARES to authorize hours that match your work/class schedule. (dfs.wyo.gov, drive.google.com)
• Single fathers: All the same rules apply. Apply in ECARES; list all household members and income. If parenting time is split, talk to DFS about who claims childcare for subsidy. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Language access: Wyoming 211 offers bilingual specialists and interpreter services; DFS offices can arrange interpreter help. Call 211 or 888‑425‑7138. (wyoming211.org)

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Local organizations and extra help

• Climb Wyoming (free job training and placement for single moms). Call 307‑778‑4126. Offices serve Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, Laramie, Sweetwater, and Teton areas. Climb Wyoming – About & Locations. (climbwyoming.org)
• Wyoming 211 (statewide information & referral). Dial 211 or 888‑425‑7138, or search online. Wyoming 211 – Official site. (wyoming211.org)
• Wyoming Afterschool Alliance (to find afterschool/OST programs, including 21st CCLC sites): 307‑721‑8300. About WYAA. (wyafterschoolalliance.org)
• Parent Information Center (PIC) – support for families of children with disabilities and IEP help (linked by DFS): reach out through DFS’ parent resource page. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Money savers most single moms miss

• Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). Save receipts. You can claim up to $3,000\ast \ast inwork‑relatedcareexpensesfor1child(or\ast \ast$6,000 for 2+). The non‑refundable credit equals 20–35% of those expenses depending on your income, using IRS Form 2441 at tax time. (irs.gov)
• SNAP while on subsidy. SNAP can free up cash for co‑pays. FY2025 maximums for the 48 states: 1 $292\ast \ast ,2\ast \ast$536, 3 $768\ast \ast ,4\ast \ast$975, 5 $1,158\ast \ast ,6\ast \ast$1,390, 7 $1,536\ast \ast ,8\ast \ast$1,756. Apply with DFS; interview line 307‑777‑8550. (fns.usda.gov, dfs.wyo.gov)
• WIC fruit/veg cash values (FY2025): children $26/mo\ast \ast ;pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47/mo; fully/mostly breastfeeding $52/mo\ast \ast ;infants6–11monthsmaysubstitute\ast \ast$11/$22 CVB for purees. Call 307‑777‑7494 or 888‑996‑9378. (fns-prod.azureedge.us, health.wyo.gov)

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Region‑by‑region: a few county contacts (examples)

Use the statewide office finder to locate your county: Find your local DFS office. Examples:

• Sheridan County DFS, 247 Grinnell St., Suite 100, phone 307‑672‑2404. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Park County DFS (Cody), 1501 Stampede Ave., Unit 9009, phone 307‑587‑6246; Powell office 307‑754‑2245. (dfs.wyo.gov)

If you live on or near Wind River, see the Fremont/tribal contact hub (link above) or your tribe’s CCDF office. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Step‑by‑step: applying without stress

• Create your ECARES account and answer the pre‑check questions. If you’re close to the Step 4 limit, apply anyway — DFS will verify. Open ECARES. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Gather your documents (see checklist above). Self‑employed? Use DFS’s Self‑Employment Statement; employed? Your employer may complete DFS’s Employer’s Statement (both linked on the DFS Child Care page). (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Pick a provider (licensed or legally exempt). Search here: Find Child Care. Ask if they accept DFS subsidy and what their daily tuition is for your child’s age. (findchildcarewy.org)
• Enter your intended start date in ECARES. Remember: benefits can’t start before the later of your application date, first day of care, or approved activity date. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Track your case in ECARES. If something is missing, upload it or call DFS at 307‑777‑7564. (dfs.wyo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If the portal errors out or you can’t upload, take documents to your DFS office or ask how to submit by email. Use the office finder link above. If you receive a denial you believe is wrong, call and request a supervisor review and ask how to appeal. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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FAQs (Wyoming‑specific)

1. What’s the highest income I can have as a new applicant?

• For initial applications, you must be at or below Step 4 (175% FPL) for your household size. For example, a 2‑person household must be at or below $3,084/month. See the full Step 4 table above. (drive.google.com)

2. I got a raise — will I lose childcare help?

• Not necessarily. If you’re already on assistance, you may stay eligible in Transitional Steps 5–6 (up to 225% FPL), and some continuing cases can go up to 85% of SMI. Report changes right away. (drive.google.com)

3. How much will I pay per day?

• Your daily co‑pay depends on your Step (e.g., Step 4 full‑day co‑pay is $6.40/child/day). You also pay any amount above the DFS maximum rate if your provider charges more. (drive.google.com, dfs.wyo.gov)

4. How fast will my case be decided?

• DFS doesn’t publish a specific statewide number of days. Your “date of eligibility” is the later of your application date, first day of care, or the day your approved activity started. Track your status in ECARES and call your county office if you don’t see updates after you submit all documents. (dfs.wyo.gov)

5. Can DFS pay my aunt to watch my child?

• Maybe. If she becomes a legally exempt provider and meets health/safety and background requirements, DFS can pay at the exempt rate ($12.09\ast \ast part‑day;\ast \ast$24.19 full‑day). Ask your county office how she registers. (dfs.wyo.gov, drive.google.com)

6. Does DFS cover nights/weekends?

• DFS pays for hours that overlap your documented work/class schedule. If you work non‑traditional hours, choose a provider with those hours available and make sure your schedule proof matches. (dfs.wyo.gov)

7. Will DFS backdate to cover the time I waited?

• Benefits can’t start before the later of your application date, your child’s first day in care, or your approved activity start date. Keep all receipts and talk to your worker about the exact start date used for your case. (dfs.wyo.gov)

8. What if a provider has complaints?

• Read the history in the “Find Child Care” portal. Substantiated complaints are posted within 10 days after an investigation closes. You can also call the local licensor listed on DFS pages. (dfs.wyo.gov)

9. Where can I get help if my case is complicated?

• Call DFS at 307‑777‑7564 or your local office. For broader support (emergency bills, housing, afterschool), call 211 to get referrals customized to your ZIP code. (dfs.wyo.gov, wyoming211.org)

10. Are there other programs that can lower my out‑of‑pocket costs?

• Yes: WIC (fruit/veg cash values: children $26\ast \ast ,pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47, fully/mostly breastfeeding $52\ast \ast ),SNAP(familyof4max\ast \ast$975), and the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit (claim up to $3,000\ast \ast expensesforonechild,\ast \ast$6,000 for two or more). (fns-prod.azureedge.us, fns.usda.gov, irs.gov)

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Quick Reference Tables (bookmark or print)

A) Step 4 (Initial eligibility) — monthly gross income

Source: DFS Sliding Fee Scale 04/01/2025–03/31/2026. (drive.google.com)

B) Daily parental co‑pays (per child)

(drive.google.com)

C) DFS maximum full‑day rates (licensed providers)

(drive.google.com)

D) Documents checklist (fast scan)

(dfs.wyo.gov)

E) Key phone numbers at a glance

(dfs.wyo.gov, health.wyo.gov, wyoming211.org)

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Reality checks, warnings, and tips

• Slots fill fast. Get on multiple waitlists. Use ECARES to estimate costs and the Facility Discovery site to compare programs. (dfs.wyo.gov, findchildcarewy.org)
• Part‑time vs. full‑time matters. Your co‑pay changes if your child is under 5 hours vs. 5+ hours. Talk with your provider about scheduling to fit your budget. (drive.google.com)
• Provider choice is yours — but licensing/exempt rules apply. Don’t assume a relative can be paid until they register and clear checks. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• Keep paperwork tight. Wyoming reviews at least every 6 months; missing paystubs or class schedules can pause or reduce benefits. (dfs.wyo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re still stuck, ask DFS about Transitional Child Care options if your income just rose, and check Head Start/Early Head Start while your slot opens. Call 211 for stopgap help. (drive.google.com, headstart.gov, wyoming211.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the Wyoming Department of Family Services, Wyoming Department of Health, USDA, HHS/ACF, and established Wyoming nonprofits. We follow our Editorial Standards — official sources only, verified links, and fast corrections.

• Last verified: September 2025 (next review April 2026)
• Send corrections to info@asinglemother.org (we respond within 48 hours).

(dfs.wyo.gov, fns.usda.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)

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Disclaimer

Program rules, rates, and amounts change. Co‑pays and eligibility depend on your specific case. Always confirm details directly with DFS, your tribe’s CCDF office, or the agency linked in this guide. This guide is for general information and is not legal advice or a guarantee of benefits.

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🏛️More Wyoming Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Wyoming

You may also need: Education Grants WIC Benefits

• 📋 Assistance Programs
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• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
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• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
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• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery