Food stamps (SNAP) in the USA – who qualifies, how to apply
SNAP / food stamps: income criteria, immigration status, EBT card, how to apply in the state. For a family of 4, up to $1,200/month.
🇺🇸 USA Guide: Children and education
Practical guides on "Children and education". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
SNAP in NYC – How to Obtain Food Assistance?
Learn how to access the SNAP program in New York City, including requirements, application through ACCESS HRA, and support amounts.
Back-to-School Supplies in the USA – free lunches, P-EBT, Title I assistance
The typical cost of back-to-school supplies in the USA ranges from $200 to $600 annually (including supplies, backpack, clothing, and shoes), with low-income families eligible for various assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Title I funding.
School Bus in the USA – How the Yellow Bus Works, Zoning, Safety, Law
The yellow school bus is an iconic element of American schooling – free public transportation for most public school students, with eligibility criteria varying by state based on distance from school.
How College Works in the USA – Community College vs 4-Year, Public vs Private, Costs
American college is not 'studies' like in Poland – it is a 4-year undergraduate program culminating in a Bachelor's degree, separate from graduate school (Master's, PhD).
FAFSA – how to apply (2026), financial aid, Pell Grant, loans, ITIN parents
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a mandatory form for every college student seeking access to federal aid: Pell Grant (up to $7,395/year for 2025-26, non-repayable), Subsidized Stafford Loans (up to $5,500/year), Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Work-Study, Plus Loans for parents; most state grants and private scholarships also require FAFSA.
How daycare works in the USA – types, costs, licensing, how to enroll your child
Daycare in the USA is not a single product – it encompasses a spectrum of options: daycare center (50-100+ children), family child care home (up to 6-12 children in the caregiver's home), in-home nanny (1-3 children in your home). The average cost of full-time daycare for 1 child is $12,000-25,000 per year (NYC, SF $25-40k, Midwest $9-12k). Each state licenses daycares – child-to-caregiver ratio, required training, inspections. In most states, children 6+ weeks old already qualify, but popular daycares have year-long waiting lists – enroll your child when your wife is in the 3rd-4th month of pregnancy. Financial assistance: CCDF subsidy for low-income families, Head Start (0-5 years), employer dependent care FSA (up to $5,000 pre-tax), Dependent Care Credit 35% of expenses up to $6,000.
Affordable Daycare in the USA – Head Start, CCDF Subsidy, How to Reduce Care Costs
Daycare is often the largest expense for families in the USA ($12-25k/year), but there are real ways to lower costs, including Head Start, CCDF subsidies, and various tax credits.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the USA 2026 – how much, who, how to get it (ITIN, immigration status)
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) in 2026 is $2,200 for each qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 being refundable (ACTC) – you will receive it even if you did not pay any taxes.
Childbirth in the USA – costs, Medicaid pregnancy, prenatal care, child's citizenship
Every child born in the USA (except for children of diplomats) is automatically a US citizen – this is a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment, regardless of the parents' status.
Child Safety on the Internet 2026 – AI Sextortion, Deepfake Porn, Groomers
AI in 2026 has changed the dynamics of online threats to children; this guide provides Polish parents in the USA with essential information on AI sextortion (deepfake porn), groomers on Discord/Snapchat, screen time, parental controls, communication strategies, and reporting resources (NCMEC, FBI), along with Polish resources.
Polish Passport for a Child Born in the USA – Step by Step
A child born in the USA to a Polish parent is entitled to Polish citizenship from birth; this guide covers the registration of the birth certificate in Poland (USC), obtaining a PESEL number, applying for the first passport at the consulate, costs, timelines, and required documents.
Polish Saturday Schools in the USA – Where to Enroll Your Child
A list of Polish Saturday schools (heritage subject schools) in the USA – New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Boston, Florida. Programs, costs, registration, MEN certificates.
How to Enroll a Child in School in the USA – Step by Step
Enrolling a child in a public school in the USA: documents, school district, ESL classes, Catholic schools, Polish Saturday schools.