Financial Support

Child Care Assistance Program

For families that qualify, the State Child Care Services Bureau will provide financial assistance for before and after school, and summer programs.

The Child Care Assistance Program pays licensed programs, on your behalf, fees that you would typically have to pay.  To be eligible, you must be from a low-income family that is working and/or is in school, have a need for childcare, and your child must be a U.S. citizen. The subsidy amount varies depending upon the age of the child, the type of child care, the location of the program, and the quality rating of the program. Not all before and after school and summer programs are licensed nor are they a member of the Child Care Assistance Program.

If you are looking for a program which accepts this subsidy, you should contact the Child Care Resource and Referral Service.

If you think that you are eligible, you are HIGHLY encouraged to apply.

For more information on Child Care Assistance, contact your regional Child Care Assistance office, or contact Cinthia Lopez by phone at (505) 827-7499 or 1-800-832-1321 or by email.

Other Financial Support

Most before and after school program providers offer reduced fees based on family income and/or the number of children in a family who attend the program.

Ask your program provider which of the following they may offer:

• Scholarships: The program would be free to you, but you may have to volunteer your time or support the program in another way.
• Sliding Scale Fees: The amount you pay is less than the average rate, and is based on your income and/or the number of children you have enrolled in the program.

Please discuss these and other options with your provider, as often they are willing to work with you.