Afterschool & Summer Programs for Single Mothers in New York

Last updated: September 2025

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Emergency help first

• If your child’s immediate safety is at risk: call 911 right now.
• If you need a fast list of open after‑school spots near you: call 2‑1‑1 statewide or 311 in NYC for live referrals.
• If you need a free, same‑day place for your K–8 child in NYC during summer hours: check for openings in NYC’s free K–8 “Summer Rising” program and call your school or DYCD Youth Connect at 1‑800‑246‑4646 or 646‑343‑6800 to ask about waitlists and late placement help. (nyc.gov, schools.nyc.gov)
• If you need groceries for kids over the summer: New York’s new Summer EBT gives $120 per child for Summer 2025; you can apply through September 4, 2025 if your child wasn’t automatically enrolled. Helpline: 1‑833‑452‑0096. (otda.ny.gov)
• If you live in NYC and were counting on a child care voucher: new applications for non‑cash‑assistance families are waitlisted as of May 5, 2025 due to funding limits. If you already have a voucher, keep recertifying on time to avoid losing it. (nyc.gov)

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Quick help box

• Find free or low‑cost after‑school near you in seconds with Search COMPASS/SONYC and other city programs on Discover DYCD. For live help call 1‑800‑246‑4646 or 646‑343‑6800. Programs are free to families. (home.nyc.gov, nyc.gov)
• Cover paid after‑school or summer day camp using New York’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) if your income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income (examples below). Apply online statewide through New York’s Child Care Assistance Application portal. NYC families can also apply via MyCity/DOE depending on age and program. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov, infohub.nyced.org)
• NYC K–8 daytime summer care is free through NYC Summer Rising. 2025 dates ran July 2 – August 15 (K–5) and July 2 – August 8 (grades 6–8). Expect applications to open in March with a short window and a required offer‑acceptance deadline. (schools.nyc.gov, myschools.nyc)
• Teens 14–24 can earn at NYC minimum wage through Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). 2025 applications closed March 14; it’s six weeks, roughly 25 hours/week, paid at the New York State minimum wage. In 2025 that’s $16.50/hourinNYC/LI/Westchester\ast \ast and\ast \ast$15.50/hour upstate. (nyc.gov, dol.ny.gov)
• Free meals for kids under 18 all summer: check NYC Summer Meals or call 311. 2025 service ran June 27 – August 29, breakfast 8–9:15 AM and lunch 11 AM–1:15 PM at schools, parks, pools, libraries, and food trucks. No ID required. (schools.nyc.gov, access.nyc.gov)

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Programs at a glance

Sources for the table’s details are linked within each program row. Additional confirmation for dates, eligibility and phone contacts appears throughout this guide. (home.nyc.gov, nyc.gov, schools.nyc.gov, myschools.nyc, hs.ocfs.ny.gov, dol.ny.gov, otda.ny.gov)

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Paying for after‑school and summer care with CCAP (statewide)

The essentials up front

• Eligibility standard: New York now uses the federal maximum of 85% of State Median Income (SMI) to determine eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Copays are limited to 1% of income above the federal poverty level. Local districts also allow up to 80 excused absence days without losing payment, which matters during school breaks and illness. (governor.ny.gov)
• Where to apply: Use the OCFS Child Care Assistance Application to start online. In NYC, early childhood and some school‑age vouchers route through DOE/ACS—see NYC DOE’s child care assistance page with forms and documentation. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov, infohub.nyced.org)
• Income examples for 85% SMI, June 1, 2024–May 31, 2025: NYC posts the SMI table used statewide. If your gross income is at or below these amounts for your family size, you may qualify (you still need a “reason for care,” like work, job search, school, domestic violence services, or temporary housing). (infohub.nyced.org)

Income limit reference (85% SMI)

Numbers above reflect the posted SMI schedule in effect for 6/1/2024–5/31/2025; districts adopt updated SMI annually. If you’re close to the limit, ask your local office which SMI table they’re currently using. (infohub.nyced.org)

What CCAP can cover

• After‑school at licensed School‑Age Child Care (SACC) and registered family/group family providers, plus many community programs.
• School‑break and summer day camp (not overnight) when it meets licensing/permit rules.
• Legally‑exempt care (informal) is allowed, but rates are lower than licensed care. Maximum payments follow the state Market Rate schedule; NYC notes 2024 market rates were updated October 1, 2024, and providers can request increases if their costs went up. For context, a NYC school‑age weekly rate commonly falls around $300–$325 depending on provider type. Always confirm the exact rate your provider is approved to receive. (nyc.gov, dccnyinc.org)

How to apply step‑by‑step

• Create an account and start the application: OCFS Child Care Assistance Application. NYC families can also use MyCity/DOE instructions and forms listed on DOE’s eligibility & forms page. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov, infohub.nyced.org)
• Choose your reason for care: work (10+ hours/week), school/training, job search, domestic violence services, substance‑use treatment, or temporary housing. NYC lists these accepted reasons clearly on its guidance pages. (infohub.nyced.org, schools.nyc.gov)
• Submit documentation: NYC’s checklist (CFWB‑022) shows the proof you’ll need—identity, NYC residency, income, work/school schedule, and child’s age. Upload copies with the application or send to the DOE address listed on the forms page. (infohub.nyced.org)
• Ask your provider to enroll for subsidy payments: if your provider isn’t already set up, ACS/your district will send enrollment forms. NYC’s 2024 market rate update gave providers a way to attest to higher costs (FS‑023/OCFS‑6060). This helps keep your copay predictable while your provider actually gets paid what they charge up to the market rate. (nyc.gov)

Timelines and real‑world notes

• State policy expanded eligibility and lowered copays, but some local budgets have been tight. Several counties created waitlists in 2024–2025, and in NYC the voucher program placed new non‑cash‑assistance applicants on a waitlist as of May 5, 2025. If you’re on a waitlist, keep recertifying and stay in touch with your caseworker. (timesunion.com, nyc.gov)
• The FY26 State Budget added $400million\ast \ast statewide(upto\ast \ast$350 million for NYC) to stabilize CCAP so current families can keep care and more new families can enroll through 2026. Watch your county’s website and ACS updates for when new openings are announced. (budget.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• In NYC, search free after‑school immediately via Discover DYCD and ask to be added to multiple program waitlists; call Youth Connect at 1‑800‑246‑4646 for help. Outside NYC, call 2‑1‑1 and ask for “after‑school programs” and your county’s Child Care Resource & Referral. Keep emergency coverage by asking your child’s school about on‑site programs and late pickup, and check licensed openings via OCFS Day Care Program Search using “School‑Age Child Care.” (home.nyc.gov, nyc.gov, hs.ocfs.ny.gov)

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Free after‑school options you can use right now

NYC COMPASS/SONYC (Department of Youth & Community Development)

• What it is: More than 900 free programs citywide for K–12. Homework help, STEM, arts, sports, and leadership activities—usually about three hours after school, five days a week. (home.nyc.gov)
• How to find a seat fast: Use Discover DYCD’s after‑school finder, or call 1‑800‑246‑4646 / 646‑343‑6800 for help in over 180 languages. Programs are in public/private schools, NYCHA sites, community centers, and more. (nyc.gov, home.nyc.gov)
• Cost: Free.
• Tip: If a site is full, ask to be added to its waitlist and apply to nearby sites the same day.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your principal which community organizations (CBOs) run programs in your building and whether they also run nearby sites. Try email and a phone call. If you still can’t find a seat, search OCFS for licensed SACC providers that may accept CCAP or offer sliding fees. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov)

21st Century Community Learning Centers (statewide, NYSED)

• What it is: Federally funded after‑school and summer learning at high‑need schools across New York (tutoring, enrichment, family engagement). There’s no family fee. Seats are limited and often prioritized for students most in need. (nysed.gov)
• How to find programs: Contact your school or district office and ask if your school hosts a “21st CCLC” program. Outside NYC, you can also call the Rest‑of‑State Technical Assistance Resource Center at 607‑777‑9240 for a list of grantees in your region. (nysed.gov)
• Heads up: National 21st CCLC funding has faced proposed federal cuts in 2025 (not final at press time). Programs usually run as long as New York receives funds; ask your school about future plans for 2026. (washingtonpost.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask the school which CBOs they partner with for after‑school and whether they host fee‑based programs on site that accept CCAP. Keep checking COMPASS/SONYC even if you’re outside NYC—you may find similar CBOs in your area through 2‑1‑1.

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Summer daytime care and learning

NYC Summer Rising (K–8)

• What it is: Free full‑day summer learning and enrichment for NYC K–8 students. DOE academics in the morning, DYCD‑partner enrichment to 6 PM, with busing for eligible students and rideshare supports at dismissal for some. Seats are limited. (myschools.nyc)
• 2025 schedule: K–5 ran July 2 – August 15; grades 6–8 ran July 2 – August 8. Families had to apply in March through MySchools and accept offers by May 8 to keep their seats. (schools.nyc.gov, myschools.nyc)
• Transportation: Eligible students (certain IEP/504, foster/temporary housing exceptions) had busing set up when families met the acceptance/enrollment timelines. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Reality check: Demand often exceeds seats. Last year more students applied than spots available. Apply during the window and accept your first offer while staying on waitlists for other sites. (chalkbeat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Look for full‑day CCAP‑eligible summer day camps or school‑based programs (licensed SACC) using OCFS Day Care Program Search. Ask programs if they accept CCAP or offer scholarships. Keep your child’s school in the loop—many schools know which CBOs have late‑cancel seats. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov)

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) for teens

• Who qualifies: NYC youth 14–24 who live in one of the five boroughs and can legally work in the U.S. SYEP is a six‑week, paid summer job or project‑based learning experience, typically 25 hours/week. Pay is the New York State minimum wage. In 2025 that’s $16.50/hour\ast \ast inNYC/LongIsland/Westchesterand\ast \ast$15.50/hour elsewhere in New York. (nyc.gov, dol.ny.gov)
• Apply: Via DYCD’s SYEP page. The 2025 deadline was extended to March 14. Selections are by lottery. Accessibility supports are available. (nyc.gov, access.nyc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Talk to your teen’s school about CareerReady SYEP or other DOE internships, and check community‑based programs (Beacons/Cornerstones) for paid stipends during summer. Call Youth Connect at 1‑800‑246‑4646 and ask for “summer jobs” alternatives. (home.nyc.gov)

Food and grocery help while school is out

• Free Summer Meals: Any child 18 or under can walk in for free breakfast and lunch—no ID, no paperwork—at schools, parks, pools, libraries, and food trucks. In 2025, service ran June 27 – August 29 (no service on July 4). Times: breakfast 8–9:15 AM; lunch 11 AM–1:15 PM. Find a site via NYC Public Schools or call 311. (schools.nyc.gov, access.nyc.gov)
• Summer EBT: One‑time $120 per child for Summer 2025. Most kids in SNAP/Medicaid/cash assistance or directly certified for school meals get it automatically; others can apply through September 4, 2025 if they attend an NSLP school and meet income limits (185% FPL). Activation, balance checks, and replacement instructions are on OTDA’s site. Helpline: 1‑833‑452‑0096. Benefits expire 122 days after they’re issued—use them promptly. (otda.ny.gov, otda.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your school for local pantry partners, and dial 2‑1‑1 to find nearby food pantries with evening or weekend hours. Keep receipts if you’re applying for assistance so caseworkers can see your real costs.

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The money details you asked for

2025 minimum wage you’ll see on teen paychecks and some program jobs

Official schedule and future increases are posted by NYS DOL and NY.gov. (dol.ny.gov, ny.gov)

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Quick reference cheat sheet

Citations for each item appear in their linked sections above. (home.nyc.gov, hs.ocfs.ny.gov, schools.nyc.gov, nyc.gov, otda.ny.gov)

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Application checklist

Use this to gather what agencies typically ask for. NYC provides a full documentation sheet (CFWB‑022). Always send copies, not originals.

• Photo ID for you
• Proof of New York residency: lease, utility bill, or shelter letter
• Proof of income: pay stubs (last 4 weeks), offer letter, self‑employment records, child support orders received/paid
• Work, school, or training schedule: employer letter, class schedule, program attendance
• Child’s age and identity: birth certificate or other official record
• If applying for Extended Day/Year seats in DOE early childhood: proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship/permanent resident/refugee status is required for those specific seats (this requirement is for the child only—not parents). For other DOE seats and K–12 programs, immigration status is not requested. (infohub.nyced.org, schools.nyc.gov)
• Provider information: name, address, license/registration ID (find it in the OCFS Day Care Program Search). (hs.ocfs.ny.gov)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until your preferred site opens: apply to multiple sites at once and accept the first offer; you can stay on waitlists for others like Summer Rising. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Missing the offer acceptance deadline: NYC required families to accept Summer Rising offers by May 8 in 2025—missing it forfeits the seat. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Not reporting schedule changes: if your work/class hours change, tell your CCAP worker and provider so your authorization matches your actual hours.
• Assuming providers can’t take vouchers: many can—ask directly. If cost increased, NYC has a 2024 market‑rate update process providers can use. (nyc.gov)
• Letting recert papers sit: if you already have a NYC voucher, recertify by the date in your packet or you risk losing benefits during the current waitlist period. (nyc.gov)

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Region‑by‑region help and key contacts

• NYC:
  • Discover DYCD program finder and Youth Connect help line 1‑800‑246‑4646 / 646‑343‑6800 for free after‑school and community center programs. (nyc.gov)
  • NYC Summer Meals info and maps via NYC Public Schools or 311. (schools.nyc.gov)
  • ACS/DOE child care vouchers status updates and forms via NYC DOE eligibility/forms page. Voucher waitlist notice is posted on HRA and ACS websites. (infohub.nyced.org, nyc.gov)
• Long Island, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Central NY, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Western NY, North Country:
  • Call 2‑1‑1 for free local after‑school options and sliding‑scale camps.
  • Search licensed School‑Age Child Care sites with OCFS Day Care Program Search and ask if they accept CCAP. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov)

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Diverse communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: ask any program about anti‑bullying supports and inclusive policies. NYC Public Schools maintains dedicated supports and staff training resources you can reference when discussing your child’s needs. See the DOE’s student support pages for LGBTQ youth. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: if your child has a 12‑month IEP, ask the school about Extended School Year (ESY) and District 75 summer timelines, and how to layer DYCD enrichment to 6 PM. Transportation is available for many eligible students when families enroll by the school deadlines. (myschools.nyc)
• Veteran single mothers: ask your installation Family Support office or county Veterans Service Agency about child care fee assistance options that can help with licensed care in your community; pair this with CCAP where possible.
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: for DOE early childhood Extended Day/Year seats, only the child’s status is documented—it does not ask about the parent’s immigration status. K–12 after‑school programs and most DOE seats do not ask for immigration information. Ask for free interpretation; DYCD’s Youth Connect supports 180+ languages by phone. (schools.nyc.gov, nyc.gov)
• Tribal citizens: ask your nation or tribe’s education or social services department about CCDF child care assistance, youth programs, and summer learning partnerships that may operate at or near tribal communities.
• Rural single moms with limited transportation: ask your district about on‑site after‑school (SACC) and look for county programs that run at the school itself. The NYSED 21st CCLC TARC can point you to grantees in your region at 607‑777‑9240. (nysed.gov)
• Single fathers: every program in this guide serves single dads as well; the same income rules and applications apply.
• Language access: when calling city hotlines, say your language first and ask for an interpreter. DYCD offers assistance in 180+ languages through Youth Connect. (nyc.gov)

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Timelines you can plan around

Always double‑check the year’s dates when they post; links above go to the official pages. (schools.nyc.gov, nyc.gov, otda.ny.gov)

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FAQs (New York–specific)

1. Am I “too middle income” for a subsidy?
   If your gross income is at or below 85% of State Median Income (see table above), you can likely qualify if you have an eligible “reason for care.” Copays are capped at 1% of income over poverty. Local priorities can apply if funds are tight. (governor.ny.gov)
2. Can CCAP pay for after‑school and summer day camp?
   Yes—licensed/registered programs and many day camps qualify. Ask the provider if they’re enrolled for subsidy payments. (governor.ny.gov)
3. What if my provider charges more than the market rate?
   Subsidies pay up to your local Market Rate. Providers can’t bill you extra above the approved rate for subsidy hours, but you may owe your family copay and fees the subsidy doesn’t cover. NYC providers can request 2024 market‑rate updates if their costs increased. (nyc.gov)
4. How long does approval take?
   Timelines vary by county and caseload. In NYC, funding limits created a waitlist in 2025 for new non‑cash‑assistance applicants; existing cases continue if recertified on time. Keep documents ready and respond fast to any requests. (nyc.gov)
5. Do free after‑school programs check immigration status?
   No. COMPASS/SONYC do not require immigration information from families. For certain DOE early childhood Extended Day/Year seats, only the child’s status is documented. (infohub.nyced.org)
6. Is Summer Rising guaranteed?
   No—seats are limited. Apply during the window and accept your offer by the deadline. Stay on waitlists for preferred sites. (schools.nyc.gov, chalkbeat.org)
7. What do teens earn in SYEP?
   SYEP pays the New York State minimum wage for your region: $16.50/hourinNYC/LI/Westchester\ast \ast ;\ast \ast$15.50/hour upstate. Expect about six weeks at roughly 25 hours per week. (nyc.gov, dol.ny.gov)
8. Can my child get meals if we travel within NYC?
   Yes—NYC Summer Meals are open to any child 18 or under, no ID. Check locations and daily menus online or call 311. (schools.nyc.gov)
9. I didn’t get Summer EBT automatically. Can I still apply?
   If your child attends an NSLP school and your household is at or below 185% FPL, you can apply by September 4, 2025. Use the official OTDA application and keep your letter; benefits are $120/child and expire 122 days after issuance. (otda.ny.gov)
10. Where can I verify that a program is licensed and safe?
    Use the state’s OCFS Day Care Program Search to look up licensing, capacity, and inspection history for School‑Age Child Care and other providers. NYC center‑based programs are regulated by NYC DOHMH but still appear in OCFS’s search. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov)

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About This Guide

• Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
• Our method: We use only official government sources and established nonprofits, cross‑verify policy and dollar amounts, archive sources, and update quickly when rules change. For this New York guide we relied on NYC Public Schools, NYC DYCD, NYS OTDA, NYS DOL, NYSED, the Governor’s office, and OCFS.
• Last verified: September 2025 — Next review: April 2026
• Questions or corrections: email info@asinglemother.org (we respond within 48–72 hours).

See our full Editorial Standards for how we verify information, update schedules, and handle corrections. This page was last updated August 2025 per our policy. (schools.nyc.gov)

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Disclaimer

• Program details change fast: income limits, dates, and benefits may shift mid‑year as budgets change. Always confirm with the official agency links in this guide before you make decisions.
• We’re a research team, not your caseworker or lawyer: we do not provide legal advice or guarantee outcomes, and we’re independent of all agencies. Use the official phone numbers and application portals provided here.
• Site security: never send your Social Security number or full documents by unencrypted email. Use official portals (for example, OCFS, DOE, DYCD, OTDA). If a link here appears broken, type the address into your browser or call the listed phone number.

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Sources cited in this guide

• NYC Summer Rising schedules, dates, transportation and acceptance deadlines. (schools.nyc.gov, myschools.nyc)
• NYC COMPASS/SONYC free after‑school program details and Youth Connect phone support. (home.nyc.gov, nyc.gov)
• CCAP statewide eligibility expansion to 85% SMI, copay cap at 1% over poverty, and 80 allowable absences; funding commitments. (governor.ny.gov)
• NYC DOE child care assistance eligibility table (85% SMI) and required documentation notes. (infohub.nyced.org)
• NYC voucher waitlist notices and recertification guidance. (nyc.gov)
• SYEP program structure, 2025 deadline extension, and weekly hours; teen pay at NYS minimum wage. (nyc.gov)
• New York’s 2025 minimum wage rates and schedule. (dol.ny.gov, ny.gov)
• NYC Summer Meals 2025 dates, times, locations. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Summer EBT $120 per child, 2025 rollout, application deadline and helpline. (otda.ny.gov)
• Statewide program finder for licensed School‑Age Child Care providers. (hs.ocfs.ny.gov)
• 21st CCLC overview (NYSED) and statewide technical assistance contact. (nysed.gov)
• NYC provider market‑rate update notice (effective October 1, 2024). (nyc.gov)

If you spot something that needs correction, email info@asinglemother.org so we can fix it fast.

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🏛️More New York Resources for Single Mothers

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