Children and families with young children often face many challenges when starting a new life in the United States, from work, housing, and language to learning how to navigate child care systems, schools, health insurance, and family support services.
The good news is that immigrants may be able to access many child and family support programs. Depending on where they live, their income, their child’s age, immigration status, and other factors, families may qualify for programs offered by federal, state, and local governments, as well as schools and community organizations.
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Common Types of Support
Common sources of support include child care, early education, nutrition, school meals, health insurance, early intervention, after-school programs, parenting education, and community-based family support services.
Child Care Cost Assistance
Child care is often one of the largest expenses for families with young children in the United States.
States and local communities offer programs that help eligible families pay for part or most of their child care costs. A major source of funding for these programs is the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), combined with state matching funds.
Depending on the program, assistance may be used for care provided by child care centers, family child care homes, or other eligible child care providers.
Eligibility is often based on family income, the child’s age and eligibility status, whether parents are working, studying, or enrolled in a training program, and specific state rules.
For CCDF, the child’s citizenship or immigration status, when required by the program, is one factor considered in determining eligibility; the parent’s immigration status does not determine the child’s eligibility.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start are two federal programs that support the development of young children in eligible families.
Head Start primarily serves preschool-aged children, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers.
These programs focus not only on early childhood education, but may also provide or connect families with services related to health, nutrition, child development, and other family supports.
Eligibility may be based on income or other factors under Head Start requirements. In addition to family income requirements, eligibility may also be assessed under special categories, such as a child experiencing homelessness, being in foster care, or the family receiving certain forms of public assistance.
Being eligible does not necessarily guarantee that a child will be admitted to the program. Because space may be limited, families should contact their local Head Start program to learn about eligibility and the application process.
WIC Nutrition Program
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition support program for pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children under age five who meet program requirements.
WIC is not simply a food assistance program. Nutrition services and maternal and child health support are also important parts of the program.
WIC may provide nutritious foods, nutrition information and counseling, breastfeeding support and guidance, and referrals to health care or other social services.
To participate in WIC, applicants must meet program requirements related to eligibility category, residency, income, and nutrition risk assessment. Families should check directly with their local WIC agency because application procedures and program implementation may vary.
School Meal Support for Children
Two important federal programs are the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Depending on family income, the school, and how the program is implemented locally, children may qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast or lunch.
Some schools or local school districts may also provide free meals to all students under certain programs or policies.
For the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, citizenship or immigration status is not used to determine whether a student may participate in school meal programs.
Parents can contact their child’s school or school district directly for information about meal programs and the application process.
Health Insurance for Children
Low- and moderate-income families may want to learn about Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Medicaid and CHIP provide health insurance for millions of eligible children and adults in the United States. Eligibility may depend on many factors, including income, age, residency, citizenship or immigration status, and the specific rules of each program and state.
One important point to note is that eligibility for parents and children is not necessarily the same. A child may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP even if the parents do not. Some federal rules related to immigration status and waiting periods also have exceptions, and states have different options for coverage for certain groups of immigrant children.
Families can check with their state Medicaid or CHIP agency or submit an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace to determine what coverage may be available.
Early Intervention Programs for Young Children
If parents are concerned that a child under age three may have delays in motor skills, language, communication, or other areas, they can learn about the Early Intervention system in the state where they live.
Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states support Early Intervention systems for eligible infants and toddlers under age three and their families. A child may qualify if they have a developmental delay in one or more areas, or if they have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. Specific criteria for determining developmental delay may vary by state.
Services may include developmental evaluations and, depending on the child’s needs, support such as speech-language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, family support, or other early intervention services.
If parents have concerns about their child’s development, they can speak with a pediatrician or contact their state Early Intervention program to learn about the evaluation process.
Support for Children in the Public School System
When children start school, public schools can become one of the most important sources of support for families who are new to the United States.
In addition to regular academic instruction, depending on the child’s needs and the school district’s resources, schools may provide or connect families with English-language support, special education services, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, after-school programs, meal programs, and other student support services.
For children with disabilities or special learning needs, rights and support services may be available under IDEA or Section 504, depending on the child’s circumstances.
Parent and Family Support Programs
In addition to programs directly for children, many communities offer services that help parents adjust to raising children in the United States.
These may include parenting classes, home visiting programs, family resource centers, maternal and child health support, family counseling, or referrals to other social services.
Public libraries, schools, hospitals, local health departments, community centers, and local nonprofit organizations may also offer free or low-cost activities for children and families.
For families who are new to the United States and do not yet have many community connections, these programs can also be a way to learn about local resources and build a support network.
Can Immigrants Use These Programs?
There is no single eligibility rule that applies to all child and family programs.
Some programs have requirements related to income, age, or residency. Some may have rules related to immigration status, while others use different criteria.
In a mixed-status family, eligibility may differ from one family member to another. A parent’s ineligibility for a program does not necessarily mean the child is also ineligible.
For this reason, if families are unsure, they should check requirements directly with the agency or organization that manages the program so they do not miss available benefits.
How to Find Programs Near You
Families can begin their search through state child care assistance agencies, the Head Start Program Locator, local WIC agencies, state Medicaid and CHIP offices, their child’s school or school district, the state Early Intervention program, public libraries, family resource centers, pediatricians or other child health care providers, Offices of New Americans or state immigrant support agencies, and local community or nonprofit organizations.
When searching online, families can try terms such as “child care assistance,” “Head Start near me,” “WIC near me,” “Early Intervention,” “family resource center,” or “after-school programs,” along with the name of their city, state, or ZIP code.
Key Points to Remember
Families who are new to the United States can find many sources of support for child care, early education, nutrition, health care, and child development. Eligibility varies by program, state, and family circumstances, so families should check directly before assuming that a child or family is not eligible.
Note: This article provides general information and is not legal, medical, or benefits eligibility advice. Rules, income limits, and eligibility requirements may change depending on the program, state, and timing. Families should verify current information directly with the agency or organization that manages the program before applying.