Afterschool & Summer Programs for Single Mothers in Oregon

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick Help Box

• If you need child care help today: Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 and ask for the Child Care line, or text “children” to 898211 for free referrals and ERDC guidance. Use the statewide search at Find Child Care Oregon. (findchildcareoregon.org, oregon.gov)
• If you need help paying for afterschool or camps: The Employment Related Day Care program (ERDC) can help with before/after school and school-break care. Some families can skip the waitlist. Apply or check status through ODHS/DELC or call 800-699-9075. (oregon.gov)
• Free summer meals for kids 1–18: No paperwork required. Find sites via the USDA Summer Meals map and 211. You can also text “Food” or “SFSP” to 914-342-7744 for automated site info. (fns.usda.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
• Summer EBT (“Sun Bucks”) 2025: $120 per eligible child one-time each summer. Apply by September 3, 2025 or confirm automatic eligibility. Help line 833-673-7328. Details and online application at Oregon Summer EBT. (oregon.gov)
• Portland residents: PP&R’s Access Discount cuts camp and afterschool fees by 25–90% for 12 months. Call 503-823-2525 or enroll online. (portland.gov)
• Emergencies and safety: For any danger call 911. For mental health crisis call/text 988. For domestic violence safety planning and shelter in Oregon, call 211 to be routed to local advocates.

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Emergency Section

• Child care or supervision gap this week: Ask your school about a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) site, SUN Community School, or district-run afterschool. These are typically free at participating schools and often have openings mid-term. (oregon.gov)
• Food today: Summer or afterschool meal sites and many SUN schools have pantries. Call 211 or check Summer Food Oregon and the USDA site finder. (oregon.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• Short-term fee help: If you’re in Portland, enroll in PP&R’s Access Discount for up to 90% off on camps and programs immediately. For YMCAs, ask for financial assistance—many branches approve within 5–10 business days. (portland.gov, ymcacw.org)
• On ERDC waitlist but need care: You may be able to skip the waitlist if you received TANF, TA-DVS, have a Child Welfare referral, reapply within 2 months of ERDC ending, or are offered a contracted slot (e.g., certain Head Start/Baby Promise). (oregon.gov)

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What This Guide Covers That Others Miss

• Exact 2025 ERDC income limits and copays (with tables), including the current waitlist rules and exemptions. (law.cornell.edu)
• Real, current dollar amounts for Summer EBT 2025 and timelines. (oregon.gov, apps.oregon.gov)
• Clear fee help paths for city parks, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and how these mesh with ERDC. (portland.gov, ymcacw.org, bgcbend.org)
• Updated meal-site finding tips now that the 304-304 texting line is being phased out in Oregon, with the current text line 914-342-7744. (content.govdelivery.com)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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How To Pay For Afterschool And Summer Care In Oregon

ERDC Child Care Subsidy (Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care)

Why start here: ERDC can pay most of the cost for licensed afterschool programs, school-age centers, and approved family/friend providers during work, school, commute, and even night-shift sleep hours.

Eligibility overview: Initial income must be under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You can stay on ERDC while your income rises, up to 250% FPL or 85% of State Median Income (SMI), whichever is higher. Rules updated March 1, 2025. (oregon.gov, law.cornell.edu)

ERDC 2025 Monthly Initial Income Limits — 200% FPL

Source (law.cornell.edu)

ERDC 2025 Monthly Ongoing/Exit Limits — 250% FPL and 85% SMI (higher of the two)

• Examples: 250% FPL monthly for 4 is $6,698\ast \ast ;85$9,306. Households can remain eligible up to the higher figure. (law.cornell.edu)

ERDC Monthly Copay Ranges (2025)

• Copays are capped and scale with income. For example, a household of 4 has copays that step from $0\ast \ast ,then\ast \ast$5, $10\ast \ast ,\ast \ast$20, $60\ast \ast ,andupto\ast \ast$120 at higher incomes within eligibility. See full chart for your size on Oregon’s official rule. (law.cornell.edu)

What ERDC Pays And Rate Caps

• ERDC pays providers up to state maximums by region, provider type, and age. For school-age children, monthly caps vary (e.g., Certified Center rates in Group Area A list a school-age monthly max of $1,100\ast \ast ;RegisteredFamilymonthlymax\ast \ast$867). If a provider charges above the cap, you cover the difference plus your copay. (oregon.gov)

Applying, Waitlist, And Exemptions

• Where to apply: Online or by phone through ODHS/DELC. Phone 800-699-9075. You’ll be placed on the ERDC waitlist unless you qualify for an exemption. Families recently on TANF or TA‑DVS, those reapplying within 2 months of ERDC ending, families with Child Welfare referrals, and some contracted slots can skip the waitlist. (oregon.gov)
• Timeline: When funding allows, families are invited off the waitlist in first-in, first-out order and must establish a request date within 45 days; ERDC applications must be processed within 45 days by rule. If you don’t respond in time, you’re returned to the list. (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
• Finding a provider: After approval, use 211 or Find Child Care Oregon to locate licensed programs or have a friend/family provider get “listed” to be paid by ERDC. For provider payment questions, call the Direct Pay Unit at 800-699-9074. (oregon.gov, findchildcareoregon.org)

Required Documents

• Proof of identity and Oregon address
• Income proof (recent pay stubs or school schedule, etc.)
• Work/school hours and commute details
• Child’s age/household proof (birth certificate or other)
• Provider information (or ask to list a family/friend provider)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Plan B: Ask if you qualify to skip the waitlist based on TANF, TA‑DVS, Child Welfare or a contracted slot; consider a low-cost or free program at your school (21st CCLC or SUN); combine partial hours with a trusted listed family/friend provider. Use 211 to build a mixed plan. (oregon.gov)

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Free or Low-Cost Afterschool Options You Can Use Right Now

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

What it is: The only federal funding stream dedicated to before/after school and summer learning at high-poverty schools. Programs must be free to families for 21st CCLC activities. Oregon’s current cohort funds 115 school programs across 37 districts through 2028. (oregon.gov)

• How to find a site: Ask your child’s school office, district website, or email ODE at ODE.OR21stCCLC@ode.oregon.gov. (oregon.gov)
• What you’ll get: Academic support, enrichment, and family engagement at no charge for participating students. (oregon.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: If your school isn’t funded, ask the principal about similar district-run programs or local partners (YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs), and check ERDC.

SUN Community Schools (Multnomah County)

Where it operates: 80+ sites in six districts across Multnomah County. SUN sites offer afterschool enrichment, basic-needs help, and many have food pantries. Contact your school’s SUN coordinator or use the locations page. (multco.us, multco.us)

• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor about other district partners or call 211 for nearby afterschool resources.

City Parks & Recreation Discounts — Portland

How it helps: The PP&R Access Discount provides 25%, 50%, 75%, or 90% off fees for camps, afterschool, swim lessons, and more—no income proof required; valid 12 months. Call 503-823-2525. (portland.gov)

• Example: A $200\ast \ast youthcampdropsto\ast \ast$20 with a 90% discount; deposit due falls to $4. (portland.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask program staff for extra support; PP&R can sometimes bridge beyond your selected discount. (portland.gov)

YMCA School-Age Care And Camps

Financial assistance: The YMCA of Columbia‑Willamette “Open Door” program offers sliding‑scale aid; processing typically 5–10 business days. Some Ys accept ERDC and offer military discounts. Start at your closest branch. (ymcacw.org, theyonline.org)

• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about part-time days or in‑service day care to reduce costs; combine with ERDC or PP&R discounts where available.

Boys & Girls Clubs

Low-cost, high-value: Clubs offer afterschool and summer programs with heavy scholarships. Example in Bend: annual membership $25\ast \ast ,afterschoolupto\ast \ast$350/month full-time; part‑time $175/month\ast \ast ;scholarshipsavailable.Summer2025sessionhadthree‑weekoptionsfrom\ast \ast$876–$1,095 before aid. Check your local Club for current fees and aid. (bgcbend.org, cascadebusnews.com)

• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for sliding-scale scholarship and attendance flexibility; many Clubs prefer regular attendance but can work with parents on schedules.

4‑H Youth Development (OSU Extension)

Affordable enrichment statewide: County 4‑H programs offer clubs, camps, and STEM with scholarships in many areas. Contact your county OSU Extension office to ask about cost and scholarships. (osuextensioncommunityreport.com)

• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Extension staff for local partner programs or short‑term scholarships in your county.

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Summer Food And Grocery Support

Summer Meals (SFSP/SSO)

What you get: Free meals for kids 1–18, no paperwork. Hundreds of Oregon sites open each summer at schools, parks, and libraries. Find a site with the USDA Summer Meals map, call 211, or use automated texting to 914-342-7744 (“Food” or “SFSP”). (oregon.gov, fns.usda.gov, content.govdelivery.com)

• Rural options: Some areas offer “Meals To‑Go” non‑congregate service. Check the site listing for your county. (fns.usda.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school district nutrition office about their summer or afterschool meal sites; many SUN schools host food pantries. (multco.us)

Oregon Summer EBT 2025 (“Sun Bucks”)

Amount: $120 per eligible child for groceries, issued on an Oregon EBT card. Many children qualify automatically; others must apply by September 3, 2025. (oregon.gov)

• Key dates: Benefits began issuing to automatically eligible children on May 22, 2025; online/paper applications processed starting May 30, 2025. Call center opened May 19, 2025 at 833-673-7328. (oregon.gov)
• Who’s automatically eligible: Kids in households on SNAP, TANF, or Oregon Health Plan (under 185% FPL), children in foster care, migrant/houseless students, and some Head Start/CEP school students who meet rules. If you applied and were approved in 2024, you were auto‑issued in 2025. (oregon.gov)
• How to apply: Use Oregon Summer EBT, or email summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov for paper forms in multiple languages. Most decisions are mailed within 15 days of processing. (oregon.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Use Summer Meals daily and pair with local food pantries; SUN school pantries and Oregon Food Bank’s finder can fill gaps. Call 211 for the nearest pantry.

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ERDC And Provider Payment Basics

• Choosing providers: ERDC can pay licensed centers, certified/registered home providers, approved school‑age centers, and listed family/friend providers who meet safety steps and background checks. (oregon.gov)
• Know the caps: ERDC pays up to the published maximum for your provider type and area. For example in Group Area A, certified center school‑age monthly max is $1,100\ast \ast ;registeredfamilymonthlymax\ast \ast$867. Confirm your provider’s category and area before care starts. (oregon.gov)
• Billing reminders: You pay your copay to the provider; DELC pays its share directly. Providers with late payments from the state may receive an extra 9% late‑processing payment. Provider billing and forms help: 800-699-9074. (oregon.gov)
• Licensing and safety checks: Use the Child Care Safety Portal before enrolling. (oregon.gov)

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Tables You Can Use

ERDC 2025 Income And Copay Snapshot

Sources and full copay tables: Oregon Admin. Rule and DELC ERDC pages. (law.cornell.edu, oregon.gov)

ERDC Maximum Provider Rates — School‑Age Examples (effective Jan 2024)

Check the full rate charts and your ZIP code’s area before enrolling. (oregon.gov)

Summer Food vs Summer EBT — What’s The Difference

Portland Parks & Recreation Access Discount — How Fees Drop

Valid 12 months; enroll online or call 503-823-2525. (portland.gov)

Oregon Tax Credits That Can Offset Afterschool/Camp Costs

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Diverse Communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your school or 211 for LGBTQ+‑affirming afterschool spaces and counseling. SUN’s Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Services link families to supportive programming in Multnomah County, and many Ys and Clubs have explicit inclusion policies. (multco.us)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Connect with the statewide Family to Family Health Information Center at OHSU and regional family networks for navigation and peer support. These groups can help you choose programs with appropriate accommodations and apply for fee help. (ohsu.edu)
• Veteran single mothers: If you’re active duty, Guard/Reserve on orders, or a Gold Star spouse, the DoD’s MCCYN fee assistance can subsidize community child care when on‑base care isn’t available. Start at MilitaryChildCare.com and Child Care Aware of America. (childcareaware.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Summer Meals and 21st CCLC are open regardless of status; Summer EBT does not collect immigration information and is not a public charge. Call 211 for language assistance. (oregon.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Students participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations meet categorical criteria for Summer EBT; check with your Tribe’s education program about local tutoring and camps. (oregon.gov)
• Rural single moms: Use the USDA Summer Meals map for “Meals To‑Go” options where available and ask your county OSU Extension/4‑H for scholarships to local camps. (fns.usda.gov, osuextensioncommunityreport.com)
• Single fathers and kin caregivers: All programs listed are open to legal guardians, fathers, and kin. If stress is high, ODHS’s Family Support and Connections offers free, voluntary home‑based support; ask your local Self‑Sufficiency office or call 211. (oregon.gov)
• Language access: Most state forms and hotlines offer interpretation. ERDC, Summer EBT, and Summer Meals materials are available in multiple languages; ask for an interpreter on calls.

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Resources By Region (Start Here)

• Portland Metro: 21st CCLC at multiple districts; SUN Community Schools directory; PP&R Access Discount; YMCA of Columbia‑Willamette. (oregon.gov, multco.us, portland.gov, ymcacw.org)
• Willamette Valley: 21st CCLC (e.g., Salem‑Keizer partners), Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties afterschool sites. (oregon.gov, theyonline.org)
• Central Oregon: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend afterschool and summer; 21st CCLC grantees in Jefferson County and Klamath Falls areas. (bgcbend.org, oregon.gov)
• Eastern & Gorge: 21st CCLC grantees in Hood River County SD, Umatilla SD; check local districts for afterschool offerings. (oregon.gov)
• Southern Oregon: 21st CCLC partners in Klamath Falls City Schools; ask your district for afterschool contacts and scholarships. (oregon.gov)

When in doubt anywhere in Oregon, call 211 or search Find Child Care Oregon for the nearest licensed provider and referral help. (findchildcareoregon.org)

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Application Checklist

• Photo ID and Oregon address
• Proof of income (pay stubs, award letters) or school schedule for student parents
• Work/school hours and commute details for scheduling
• Child’s documents (birth certificate or proof of household)
• Provider details (license number or listing process for family/friend)
• If claiming discounts/aid: PP&R Access Discount enrollment, YMCA assistance request, Club scholarship papers
• If applying for Summer EBT: Make sure school and mailing addresses are current; apply by September 3, 2025 if not auto‑eligible (oregon.gov)

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Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Starting care before the provider is approved for ERDC: You might owe the full bill for that period. Confirm approval first. (oregon.gov)
• Choosing a provider whose rates exceed ERDC caps without a plan: You’ll pay the difference plus copay. Check the rate charts by ZIP. (oregon.gov)
• Missing the ERDC waitlist exemption you qualify for: If you recently had TANF, TA‑DVS, or a Child Welfare referral, tell ODHS—this can skip the list. (casetext.com)
• Relying on outdated meal‑site texts: The old 304‑304 hotline has been phased out. Use USDA’s map, 211, or text 914-342-7744. (content.govdelivery.com)
• Forgetting tax credits: WFHDC and the Oregon Kids Credit can put money back in your pocket for care and essentials. (oregon.gov, apps.oregon.gov)

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If This Doesn’t Work

• Pair programs: Mix free school programs (21st CCLC/SUN) with part‑time paid care plus ERDC or PP&R/YMCA discounts.
• Use Summer Meals + Summer EBT: Meals on site plus $120/child groceries can bridge big gaps. (oregon.gov)
• Call a navigator: 211 can do a warm hand‑off to child care specialists who speak your language and know local openings.

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Real‑World Examples

• Afterschool on a tight budget: A Salem single mom uses a 21st CCLC site for free enrichment until 6:00 p.m., then a listed aunt covers one evening weekly under ERDC with a $10 copay. Savings come from the WFHDC at tax time. (oregon.gov)
• Summer on multiple supports: A Portland mom stacks PP&R’s 90% Access Discount for day camps with Summer Meals at a nearby school and $120/child Summer EBT for groceries, keeping weekly costs minimal. (portland.gov, oregon.gov)

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10 Oregon‑Specific FAQs

• Does ERDC cover afterschool and school breaks: Yes—time while you’re at work or school, plus commute, study, and night‑shift sleep hours. (oregon.gov)
• Can ERDC pay a relative to watch my kids: Yes, a family/friend/neighbor can become a listed provider after requirements. Ask 211 or the Direct Pay Unit 800-699-9074. (oregon.gov)
• How long does ERDC take to process: By rule, up to 45 days after your request date. Waitlist timing is separate. (regulations.justia.com)
• What if I’m on the ERDC waitlist for months: Some families can skip; otherwise, you’ll be selected as funds allow and must respond within 45 days to apply. (law.cornell.edu)
• Are 21st CCLC programs free: Yes—ODE does not allow family fees for 21st CCLC activities. (oregon.gov)
• Where can I see current ERDC rate caps: The DELC “ERDC Child Care Maximum Rates” page lists monthly and hourly caps by area and provider type. (oregon.gov)
• How do I find a SUN school site: Use Multnomah County’s SUN locations and contact list or ask your school office. (multco.us, multco.us)
• Is the Summer Meals texting number 304‑304 still active: Oregon agencies advise using the USDA map, 211, or texting 914-342-7744 instead. (content.govdelivery.com)
• What is the Oregon Kids Credit: A refundable state credit up to $1,000perchild\ast \ast ages\ast \ast 0–5\ast \ast (max\ast \ast$5,000), income‑limited; claim when you file Oregon taxes. (apps.oregon.gov)
• Can I combine PP&R/YMCA discounts with ERDC: Often yes, but ERDC can only pay up to state caps for licensed child care. City/Y discounts reduce your share for non‑ERDC activities like camps or swim. Ask each program.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: Our specialized benefits researchers verify every program against official state and federal sources. We use direct links to Oregon.gov, ODE, ODHS/DELC, USDA, and established nonprofits to keep your steps practical and fast.

Methodology and Updates: We rely on primary sources, archive links, test application portals, and track changes. We review state guides every 8 months, update policy changes within 48 hours, and fix reader‑reported errors within 48 hours. See our full standards at ASingleMother Editorial Policy. This hub is not legal advice and doesn’t guarantee outcomes.

Verification cadence: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Corrections: Email info@asinglemother.org if something here looks outdated—we respond within 48 hours.

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Disclaimer

Program details can change: Benefit amounts, eligibility, copays, and rate caps change during the year. Always confirm using the official links and phone numbers in this guide before you enroll or pay.

Health and site safety: Verify licensing and safety history for any child care using the state portal, and follow your child’s health plan. We maintain security on our site, but never email your SSN or full EBT details—use official state systems.

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Sources

• ERDC program, income limits, waitlist, timelines, provider info: Oregon DELC/ODHS and Oregon Administrative Rules. (oregon.gov, law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
• ERDC rate caps: DELC ERDC Child Care Maximum Rates. (oregon.gov)
• 21st CCLC policy and Oregon grantees: ODE 21st CCLC pages. (oregon.gov)
• SUN Community Schools: Multnomah County SUN pages. (multco.us, multco.us)
• Summer Meals: ODE Summer Food Oregon and USDA Summer Meals Site Finder. (oregon.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• Texting change for meal site info: ODE SFSP Corner March 2025. (content.govdelivery.com)
• Summer EBT 2025 amounts and dates: ODHS Summer EBT site and press room. (oregon.gov, apps.oregon.gov)
• 211/Find Child Care Oregon hours and contacts: Find Child Care Oregon and DELC find‑care pages. (findchildcareoregon.org, oregon.gov)
• PP&R Access Discount: City of Portland page. (portland.gov)
• YMCA financial assistance: YMCA of Columbia‑Willamette Open Door. (ymcacw.org)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend fees: BGCBend school‑year and summer pages. (bgcbend.org, cascadebusnews.com)
• WFHDC and Kids Credit: Oregon DOR WFHDC and press/FAQ pages; ORS 315.264. (oregon.gov, casetext.com, apps.oregon.gov)

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What would help you most right now: If you tell me your ZIP code, your child’s age/grade, and your schedule, I can map out three concrete program options plus the quickest way to reduce your costs this month.

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