Help Paying for Preschool in Maine (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Maine families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
Could your family qualify for help? Check it
A quick, private estimate — nothing is stored unless you ask for reminders. This is guidance, not a determination.
✓ Sent. Next: find preschools near you.
Head Start & Early Head Start in Maine
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in Maine (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a Maine program →
Public pre-K in Maine
Maine's public pre-K, Public Preschool Program (Pre-K), is income- or risk-based (age 4 by October 15, only where the district offers it (not all do); expanding rather than universal). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Maine program info →
Childcare subsidy in Maine
Separate from preschool programs, Maine's childcare subsidy — Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to up to 125% of the state median income — measured against your state's median income, a higher ceiling than the federal poverty line. Raised from 85% to 125% SMI in July 2024. Apply or learn more →
See also: when your child can start school in Maine · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.