It’s no secret that child care is expensive. In California’s rural counties, families frequently pay an average of $600–$1,000 per month. In Lake County, for example, a family is likely to spend one-third or more of its gross income on child care. North Coast Opportunities (NCO) seeks to alleviate this financial burden with state-funded subsidized child care. Families can apply for help from NCO Rural Communities Child Care at any time. In order to qualify, a family of three cannot earn more than $4,278 gross monthly income. Call local NCO Rural Communities Child Care office for assistance: Fort Bragg, 964-3080; Ukiah and Willits, 467-3200; Lakeport, 263-4688; Clearlake, 994-4018.