Young Parents & Child Care
Support, healthcare, and childcare help for young parents in Philadelphia
Being a young parent is one of the most demanding things a person can do — and also one of the most important. Philadelphia has a range of programs specifically designed to support young parents with healthcare, childcare subsidies, housing, and education, so you don't have to choose between your child's future and your own.
Practical next steps
Get healthcare for yourself and your baby immediately
If you're pregnant or have just had a baby and don't have health insurance, apply for Medicaid through COMPASS immediately. Pregnant women have expanded Medicaid eligibility in Pennsylvania. Your baby is also immediately eligible for CHIP at birth — they cannot be turned away. Apply before you leave the hospital.
Enroll in WIC right away
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides free healthy foods, formula, baby food, and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Philadelphia WIC: call 215-685-5220. This is one of the most valuable programs available — use it.
Connect with Healthy Start Philadelphia
Healthy Start (215-731-6140) provides free home visiting programs for pregnant women and new parents in Philadelphia. A trained nurse or health educator visits you at home regularly, providing parenting support, health information, and connections to services. This is free and available to all income levels.
Get childcare assistance through CCIS
CCIS (Child Care Information Services) administers childcare subsidies in Philadelphia. If your income qualifies, you can receive subsidized childcare so you can work, go to school, or attend training. Contact CCIS at 215-382-4762 or visit dhs.pa.gov/ccis to apply. There may be a waitlist — apply early.
Know your rights as a pregnant or parenting student
Under Title IX, schools cannot discriminate against you because you're pregnant or a parent. This means: you cannot be expelled for being pregnant, you're entitled to the same educational opportunities as other students, your school may need to provide accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, and you have the right to return to school after giving birth.
Child support: know how it works
If the other parent is not living with your child, you may be entitled to child support. Apply through Philadelphia's Domestic Relations Section at 215-686-9250. Child support is separate from custody — one doesn't affect the other.
SNAP and cash assistance for your family
Families with children are often eligible for SNAP (food assistance) and PA Cash Assistance. Apply through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us. Your baby's needs count as part of the household when calculating eligibility.
Find a support community of other young parents
Parenting alone is harder than parenting with a community. Resources for Human Development (RHD) and other organizations run young parent support groups in Philadelphia. These groups provide peer support, information sharing, and connection with other parents in similar situations.
Resource starting points
- COMPASS (PA Benefits Portal)
Apply for Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, and childcare subsidies.
- CCIS Childcare Subsidies
Childcare financial assistance for qualifying families.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Healthy Start Philadelphia
Free home visiting program for pregnant women and new parents — health support, parenting resources, and connections to services.
- Philadelphia WIC
Free food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
- Resources for Human Development (RHD)
Young parent support groups, transitional housing for families, and comprehensive family services.
- CCIS of Philadelphia
Apply for childcare subsidies so you can work, study, or train while your child is in quality care.
- Education Law Center PA
Free legal help if your school is violating your rights as a pregnant or parenting student under Title IX.
Helpful things to know
WIC and Medicaid first, before anything else
These two programs are the foundation. Apply for both the same week your baby is born if you haven't already.
You have the legal right to stay in school
A school cannot make you leave because you're pregnant or have a child. If a school tries to push you out, contact the Education Law Center at 215-238-6970.
Ask Healthy Start to help you navigate everything
Healthy Start's home visitors are experts in connecting families to resources. If you're overwhelmed by all the programs available, they can help you figure out which ones you need and how to apply.
Common questions
What if the father is not involved?
You can apply for child support through Philadelphia's Domestic Relations Section regardless of whether the other parent is willing to pay. The court can compel payment. Call 215-686-9250 or visit the office at 34 S. 11th Street.
What if I'm a teen parent still in high school?
Many Philadelphia high schools have specific supports for teen parents, including childcare arrangements. Talk to your school counselor. The School District's Student Placement office can also help if you need to transfer to a school with better teen parent support.
Is there housing help specifically for young parents?
Yes. Covenant House, RHD, and other transitional housing programs accept young parents with children. See the Housing for Young Adults guide. Apply early — spaces are limited.