Help paying for child care is crucial for low-income families given the high cost of care. Care for one child can easily cost $4,000 to $10,000 a year, more than the cost of public college tuition.1 Low-income parents struggling to support their families need assistance so they can afford child care that enables them to work and ensures the safety and well-being of their children. Child care assistance can also give these families access to high-quality care that can nurture their children's learning and development so that they are prepared for school.