Afterschool & Summer Programs for Single Mothers in New Mexico

Last updated: September 2025

Emergency help now

• Call: 911 for any immediate danger.
• New Mexico Crisis & Access Line: 1-855-662-7474 or dial 988 for 24/7 crisis support and warmline options. See the state’s official crisis resources for more helplines. (hca.nm.gov, nmcrisis.org)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. New Mexico Legal Aid DV Helpline: 1-877-974-3400 for legal help with protective orders, custody, and safety planning. (hca.nm.gov, newmexicolegalaid.org)

Quick help box

• Best first step for childcare coverage: Apply for New Mexico’s Child Care Assistance so you can get no-cost before/after-school and full‑day summer care if you qualify up to 400% FPL. Apply online and get help finding a provider. (nmececd.org)
• Need a free or low‑cost school‑based program: Ask your child’s school about 21st Century Community Learning Centers or district Out‑of‑School Time programs. Use the state contacts below if the school isn’t sure. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)
• Summer food: Your child can get free summer meals at open sites and most eligible kids also receive Summer EBT SUN Bucks $120 per child with benefits starting in May and expiring 122 days after issuance. (summerfoodnm.org, hca.nm.gov)
• City programs fill fast: Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe run low‑cost before/after‑school and summer programs with lottery/registration windows. Mark the dates and register early. (cabq.gov, lascruces.gov, santafenm.gov)
• Can’t find anything local today: Call 211 (United Way) for a live navigator who will search youth programs, scholarships, and rides to programs. (staging.uwcnm.org)

Quick reference cheat sheet

Sources: Child Care Assistance, ECECD, Child Care Finder, NMPED 21st CCLC, SUN Bucks, HCA SUN Bucks update, NM Summer Food. (nmececd.org, childcare.ececd.nm.gov, webnew.ped.state.nm.us, hca.nm.gov, summerfoodnm.org)

The statewide option that covers the most hours

ECECD Child Care Assistance for before/after school and summer

• Action first: Apply for Child Care Assistance. This program covers licensed before/after‑school care during the academic year and full‑day care during school breaks and summer. Families up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify, and copays are currently waived with three‑months’ advance notice before any future reinstatement. Apply online, by email, or at a local office. (nmececd.org)
• Eligibility basics: Up to 400% FPL; parent is working, in school or training, or actively job‑seeking; New Mexico residency; provide requested documents. The department states it will process completed applications within 10 working days after receiving all documents. (nmececd.org)
• What you pay right now: Copays are waived, and providers cannot charge registration, supply, or transportation fees for families on assistance; New Mexico also stopped allowing providers to pass Gross Receipts Tax on to families as of July 1, 2024, making care truly cost‑free for enrolled households. (nmececd.org)
• How to apply: Use the online Family Services portal, email your completed packet, or visit a field office. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the “Am I Eligible” quick screener takes about 2–4 minutes and gives next steps. (eligibility.ececd.nm.gov)
• Find a program after you apply: Use the New Mexico Child Care Finder and, if you want help, call NewMexicoKids Resource & Referral at 1-800-691-9067 for a customized referral. (childcare.ececd.nm.gov)

2025 income reference for 400% FPL

The program uses the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Here is 400% of the 2025 poverty guideline for the 48 contiguous states (New Mexico). These figures help you quickly check if your gross household income is in range. (aspe.hhs.gov)

• Reality check: You may see older examples showing “about $120,000 for a family of four.” That reflected prior‑year guidelines. The 2025 HHS figures above are the most current. The state continues to use the 400% FPL policy. (nmececd.org, aspe.hhs.gov)

Documents to gather

• Photo ID for the applicant
• Proof of New Mexico residency such as a lease or utility bill
• Birth verification for each child
• Proof of countable income for parents/guardians in the home (paystubs, self‑employment, certain Social Security)
• School schedule if you are in education or training
• Custody or incapacitation documents if applicable (nmececd.org)

Timelines and tips

• Processing time: After you submit all required documents, ECECD processes within 10 working days. If items are missing, you will have 14 days to submit them before denial. (nmececd.org)
• Changing hours for summer: You can switch from a school‑year part‑time contract to full‑time for summer. Provide your work/school schedule and start date; allow up to 10 business days for the change once all documents are in. (nmececd.org)
• Fees you should not be charged: No registration, activity/supply, or transportation fees for children on assistance; ECECD pays providers for these. Copays are waived, and providers may not pass Gross Receipts Tax to families for Child Care Assistance contracts. (nmececd.org)

Where to get help or escalate

• ECECD toll‑free line: 1-800-832-1321
• Email: Child.care@state.nm.us
• Regional office map with addresses for Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, etc. If you cannot reach your worker, ask for a supervisor/manager at your regional office. (nmececd.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Try another provider search path: Use the Child Care Finder filters for “school‑age” and “before/after school,” expand radius, and call programs even if they show “full”—waitlists move fast in August and May. (childcare.ececd.nm.gov)
• Ask your school about on‑site programs: Some schools partner with Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, or 21st CCLC for on‑site care you can pair with Child Care Assistance. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

School‑based before/after school and summer options

21st Century Community Learning Centers and Out‑of‑School Time grants

• What it is: Federally and state‑funded programs offering afterschool and summer academics, tutoring, STEM, arts, physical activity, and family engagement, typically at high‑need schools. Programs are usually free to families at funded sites. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)
• How to check your school: Call your school office and ask if it hosts a “21st Century Community Learning Center” or an NMPED Out‑of‑School Time grant. If staff aren’t sure, contact the state team: 505-795-5526 (SEA Coordinator), 505-333-8810 (Program/Fiscal), 505-486-1860 (Monitoring), 505-551-2198 (Data). (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)
• When to enroll: Ask at the start of each semester and again in late spring for summer; seats fill quickly. Programs track attendance and may unenroll after repeated no‑shows—communicate early about schedule changes. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Plan B: Pair shorter school‑run programs with Child Care Assistance to cover the remaining hours, or use city recreation programs for full coverage on early‑release days and summer. (nmececd.org)

Summer grocery money and meals

SUN Bucks Summer EBT for school‑aged kids

• Benefit amount: $120 per eligible child for groceries in summer, loaded to an EBT card. Benefits began issuing May 21, 2025, and you have 122 days from issuance to spend them before the system removes any unspent funds. (hca.nm.gov, hsd.state.nm.us)
• Who gets it automatically: Most students approved for free/reduced‑price school meals, those reported as homeless/migrant/foster, or children who received SNAP, TANF, or eligible Medicaid during the school year. Families will receive a notice by mail. Others may apply if the school participates in NSLP/SBP and income is under 185% FPL. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)
• How to apply if not auto‑issued: Use the online application or mail a paper form to NMPED. Make sure your mailing address is updated with your child’s school or with YES.NM.gov (1-800-283-4465). 2024–2025 applications were accepted through August 19, 2025. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us, hsd.state.nm.us)
• Immigration/public charge: SUN Bucks does not affect immigration status and is not considered for public charge. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

Free Summer Meals at open sites

• Who’s eligible: All kids 1–18 can receive free meals—no paperwork required—at open Summer Food Service Program sites statewide. Use the interactive map and filter by city or ZIP. Program contact: 1-800-328-2665. (summerfoodnm.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Plan B: If your child’s school is a Bureau of Indian Education or private school that doesn’t participate in NSLP/SBP, apply for SUN Bucks using household income. If your card didn’t arrive, confirm your address and request a replacement through the state’s SUN Bucks contacts. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

State summer reading support you can add for free

• New Mexico Summer Reading Program: Free, in‑person literacy instruction in small groups (4 hours per day, 4 weeks, June 2–27, 2025). For details or future cycles, contact 833-550-4300 or the program email on the state literacy site. (literacy.nm.gov)

City and regional programs with concrete fees and dates

These local options can fill gaps, especially if your school doesn’t host a program that matches your work schedule.

Albuquerque

• PLAY+ before/after school at APS sites: Weekly cost is $15\ast \ast foronechild(\ast \ast$20 for two; $25\ast \ast forthreeormore).\ast \ast Registrationfee:\ast \ast \ast \ast$10 per child. Before care starts 7:00 a.m.; after care runs until 6:00 p.m. Contact 505-767-5885; general Youth & Family Services 505-767-5800. (cabq.gov)
• Summer PLAY+ full‑day: $30/week\ast \ast foronechild(\ast \ast$35 for two; $40\ast \ast forthree+).\ast \ast Summerregistrationfee:\ast \ast \ast \ast$15 per child. Summer hours 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration typically opens in May; the city also runs a community center summer lottery in late April/early May. (cabq.gov)
• Pro tip: Many APS schools also host Boys & Girls Clubs or partners you can combine with Child Care Assistance to eliminate tuition entirely. See the Clubs’ school‑based list and note sites that are free for members who qualify through ECECD. (bgccnm.org)

Las Cruces

• After‑School Program: $100persemester\ast \ast withpaymentplansavailable(\ast \ast$25 increments). Spots posted by school site (e.g., Alameda, Jornada, Loma Heights). Call 575-541-2550. (lascruces.gov)
• Summer Recreation Program: Lottery registration announced April 21, 2025 for the May 5–16 window; selected families notified May 22. Typical session fees are $40 per session; hours commonly 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Check the youth page or call 575-541-2550. (lascruces.gov)
• Teen programming: Open gym, hangout nights, and pool splash events over the summer, mostly free; Teen Splash is $1 per participant. Details and weekly schedule posted by Parks & Recreation. (lascruces.gov)

Santa Fe

• City Afterschool 2025–26 at Genoveva Chavez Community Center: Transportation available from select schools; registration appointments announced by city (for 2025, appointments open July 21, 8:00 a.m.). Contact GCCC programs via the recreation page and Teen Center 505-955-4101. Fees vary by session and may be sliding scale; confirm current rates before registering. (santafenm.gov)
• Summer youth activities: The city typically offers full‑day summer programs with meals included and sliding‑scale fees. Watch the Recreation Division news page each spring. (santafenm.gov)

Boys & Girls Clubs (example in Central NM)

• Summer Club: For Albuquerque‑area sites (e.g., Adobe Acres) the full six‑week option lists $600 if not subsidized; many families qualify for low‑to‑no cost through ECECD. Hours often 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Check the current page for locations and registration. (bgccnm.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Plan B: If city programs are waitlisted, call 211 to ask about scholarships, church‑based programs, library clubs, and transportation assistance like “Ride United” in Santa Fe County. Ask the operator to search by your ZIP and “afterschool” or “summer youth” plus “scholarship.” (staging.uwcnm.org)

Quick reference tables you can use today

Where to apply, find, and get help

2025 SUN Bucks essentials

Sources: NMPED and HCA SUN Bucks pages. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us, hca.nm.gov)

Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe at a glance

Sources: City program pages linked above. (cabq.gov, lascruces.gov, santafenm.gov)

Application checklist (print this)

Source: ECECD Child Care Assistance. (nmececd.org)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until May to look for summer care

  Seats go fast. Apply for Child Care Assistance now and start calling providers three months before school ends. (nmececd.org)

• Not updating your address for SUN Bucks

  Cards and notices go to the address on file with your school or YES.NM; update it to avoid lost benefits. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

• Assuming you “make too much”

  New Mexico’s limit is up to 400% FPL—higher than most states. Check the 2025 table before you self‑exclude. (aspe.hhs.gov)

• Paying fees you don’t owe

  On assistance, you should not pay registration, supply, or transportation fees, and GRT cannot be passed to you. If charged, report it to your worker. (nmececd.org)

• Only calling one program

  Use the Child Care Finder, Boys & Girls Clubs, city programs, and ask your school about 21st CCLC. Cast a wide net. (childcare.ececd.nm.gov, bgccnm.org, cabq.gov, webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

Diverse communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask programs about inclusivity and anti‑bullying policies. For mental health support or a crisis, use 1-855-662-7474 or 988; the state lists many specialized helplines. (hca.nm.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: When you call programs, ask about 1:1 supports and inclusion policies. Albuquerque runs Inclusive Recreation—call 505-848-1334—and many providers can be funded via Child Care Assistance. (cabq.gov, nmececd.org)
• Veteran single mothers: Child Care Assistance is available regardless of veteran status if you meet income/activity requirements. Pair with VA or TRICARE supports as applicable; start with ECECD for extended hours coverage. (nmececd.org)
• Immigrant or refugee single moms: Parents do not need to provide a Social Security number or immigration proof to apply for Child Care Assistance for their children; only the child’s status is relevant to the benefit record. SUN Bucks does not affect immigration status or count for public charge. (eligibility.ececd.nm.gov, webnew.ped.state.nm.us)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Some BIE schools don’t run NSLP/SBP; if so, submit a SUN Bucks application based on income. Ask your Pueblo/Nation education office about afterschool funding at tribal centers. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Call 211 for help with transport, scholarships, and smaller providers not listed online. Santa Fe County residents can ask about Ride United for rides to programs or school meetings. (staging.uwcnm.org)
• Single fathers raising kids: All programs and assistance above are gender‑neutral—apply the same way. ECECD’s eligibility is based on household size/income and activity. (nmececd.org)
• Language access: ECECD, SUN Bucks, and Summer Food all offer Spanish materials, and ECECD’s site has a language selector. Ask for interpreters when you call. (nmececd.org, webnew.ped.state.nm.us, summerfoodnm.org)

FAQs for New Mexico (state‑specific)

• How fast can I get approved for Child Care Assistance

  ECECD processes within 10 working days after all documents are received. Missing items add time. (nmececd.org)

• Do I owe a copay right now

  No—copays are currently waived and the state will give three‑months’ notice before reinstating. (nmececd.org)

• Will I be charged registration, supply, or transportation fees if I’m on assistance

  No. Providers are paid for these costs; report improper charges. (nmececd.org)

• What income limit applies in 2025

  Up to 400% FPL (e.g., $128,600 for a family of 4 in 2025). (aspe.hhs.gov)

• Can I use assistance for summer only

  Yes, contracts can be part‑time during school and full‑time in summer; request a change with your caseworker. (nmececd.org)

• How do I find before/after‑school care near me

  Search the [Child Care Finder] and call 1-800-691-9067 for personalized referrals. (childcare.ececd.nm.gov)

• What if my child’s school doesn’t have a 21st CCLC site

  Ask your principal about district OST grants or community partners and use the state 21st CCLC contacts to locate nearby sites. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

• When will SUN Bucks load to my card

  In 2025, first issuance began May 21, 2025 with additional waves; benefits expire 122 days after issuance. (hca.nm.gov)

• Does SUN Bucks affect immigration status or public charge

  No. The state explicitly states SUN Bucks won’t affect immigration status or be counted as public charge. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us)

• Where can I get help if I’m in crisis or dealing with violence

  Call 1-855-662-7474 (NMCAL) or 1-800-799-7233 (NDVH). For legal help, 1-877-974-3400. (hca.nm.gov)

Real‑world examples you can follow

• Cover the whole summer with two steps: Apply for Child Care Assistance today; once approved, choose a licensed full‑day summer program (city recreation site or licensed center). Your copay is currently $0, and registration/supply/transport fees shouldn’t be billed to you. Stack SUN Bucks for groceries and use the Summer Food map for backup meal sites. (nmececd.org, summerfoodnm.org, hca.nm.gov)
• School‑year wrap care on a tight budget: If your elementary school has a 21st CCLC program that ends at 5:30–6:00 p.m., enroll there; if it ends earlier, use Child Care Assistance for a nearby licensed program to cover the last hour. Ask your provider about bus/pickup options. (webnew.ped.state.nm.us, nmececd.org)

Resources by region (save these)

• Albuquerque area: City Youth & Family Services 505-767-5800, PLAY+ 505-767-5885; Boys & Girls Clubs school‑based programs (many free with ECECD). (cabq.gov, bgccnm.org)
• Las Cruces / Doña Ana: Parks & Recreation Youth 575-541-2550; After‑School Program and Summer Recreation lotteries posted on city site. (lascruces.gov)
• Santa Fe: Teen Center 505-955-4101; GCCC Afterschool registration announcements on the Recreation page. (santafenm.gov)
• Statewide program help: ECECD 1-800-832-1321; Child Care Finder; 21st CCLC state contacts (see above); United Way 211. (nmececd.org, childcare.ececd.nm.gov, webnew.ped.state.nm.us, staging.uwcnm.org)

What to expect for timelines

• Child Care Assistance: 10 working days after all documents are submitted; allow extra time in May–June due to volume. (nmececd.org)
• City programs: Lottery or first‑come registration opens weeks before programs start; Albuquerque often uses late‑April lotteries for community centers and mid‑May registration for PLAY+. Las Cruces ran a May 5–16 lottery in 2025 with notices on May 22. (cabq.gov, lascruces.gov)

About This Guide

• Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
  This guide uses official sources from New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department, New Mexico Public Education Department, the Health Care Authority, USDA‑aligned nutrition programs, and established nonprofits. See citations throughout.
• Our standards: We follow verified, primary sources and keep calculator‑based figures (like FPL) current. Read our Editorial Standards for our research and update process.
• Verification cadence: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Disclaimer

• Information changes: Program rules, amounts, dates, and contact info change. Always confirm with the agency pages linked above before you apply or pay any fees.
• No legal advice: This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice or a guarantee of outcome. For legal help with custody, support, or safety, contact New Mexico Legal Aid DV Helpline at 1-877-974-3400. (newmexicolegalaid.org)
• Privacy and site security: We do not collect application data or store personal documents. For program applications, only use official state portals linked above and keep your device updated to protect your information.

If this still isn’t working

• Call: 211 and ask for a navigator to search afterschool/summer programs by ZIP, plus any fee waivers or transport help.
• Escalate: For state assistance cases, call 1-800-832-1321 and request a supervisor; or email Child.care@state.nm.us with your case number and “Urgent” in the subject.
• Safety first: If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, call 1-855-662-7474 or 988. These lines can also help you connect to practical resources while you stabilize. (hca.nm.gov)

— End of guide —

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