Afterschool and Summer Programs for Single Mothers in Vermont

Afterschool & Summer Programs for Single Mothers in Vermont

Last updated: September 2025

Emergency options you can use today

If care fell through or food is tight, start here.

Call: 2-1-1 for statewide help finding child care openings, food, and emergency services. You can also text your ZIP to 898211 or call 802-652-4636 or 866-652-4636. Vermont 2-1-1 — contact page. (vermont211.org)
Find free kids’ meals near you: use USDA’s map or call 2-1-1. All kids 18 and under can eat free at summer meal sites. USDA Summer Meals Site Finder. (fns.usda.gov)
Ask your school about its afterschool program: many Vermont schools run free or low-cost programs funded by 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21C) or the State Afterschool Grant. Vermont Agency of Education — After-School & Summer Programs. (education.vermont.gov)
If you need help paying for afterschool or camp fast: apply for Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) online or through your county agency. Assistance can start as of the date a fully completed application is received. CCFAP — program page. Online portal: CDDIS. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Quick help box

Best first step: apply for CCFAP and contact your Community Child Care Support Agency (CCCSA) for hands-on help. Phone numbers for every county are below.
Free food after school and in summer: many programs serve free snacks and suppers through CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals and free summer meals through SUN Meals. No paperwork for kids to eat at open sites.
Extra summer grocery money: Vermont is implementing Summer EBT (SUN Bucks). The 2025 benefit is $40 p erc hi l d p ers u mm er m o n t h * * (* *$ 120 total). See “Summer nutrition” for who gets it and how. (fns.usda.gov, education.vermont.gov)
If waitlists or hours don’t fit: look at 21C programs at nearby schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA afterschool, UVM Extension 4‑H clubs, and city recreation departments. Many have sliding fees or scholarships.
Language help: the Agency of Education offers free language assistance by email at AOE.LanguageAccess@vermont.gov. (education.vermont.gov)

Quick reference cheat sheet

Program	What it covers	Cost to you	Who qualifies	How to apply fast
CCFAP (Child Care Financial Assistance)	Pays part or all of licensed afterschool, preschool, child care, and some camps	Sliding “family share” from *$0 * t o * $ 425/week* based on income; many families now have a $0 share	Vermont residents up to 575% FPL with a work/school/service need, assets under $1M	Apply via the CDDIS Parent Portal or your local CCCSA (phones below)
CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals	Free afterschool snack/supper served in eligible programs	$0 for kids eating on-site	Programs in areas where ≥50% of students qualify for free/reduced meals	Enroll your child in participating afterschool program
SUN Meals (Summer Food Service/SSO)	Free summer meals at schools, parks, libraries	$0 for kids 18 and under at open sites	Any child age 0–18	Use USDA meal site finder or call 2-1-1
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) 2025	Grocery benefits to families when school is out	*$120 p erc hi l d p ers u mm er * (* $ 40/month*)	School-age children who meet income rules (some auto-enrolled)	Follow state instructions; see Summer EBT notes below

Sources: DCF news on family share and FPL expansion; AOE child nutrition pages; USDA SUN programs. (dcf.vermont.gov, education.vermont.gov, fns.usda.gov)

Get help paying for afterschool and summer care — CCFAP

Why this matters first: CCFAP is Vermont’s main way to pay for afterschool and summer care. It expanded in 2024 and updated again in March 2025 using the new federal poverty levels.

Eligibility basics: Vermont residency; “service need” such as work or school; income within state guidelines (up to 575% of the Federal Poverty Level); assets under $1, 000, 000 * * . M an y f ami l i es u n d er * * 175$ 0 weekly family share. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Family share cost range now: $0-$ 425 per week depending on family size and income. (dcf.vermont.gov)
2025 update: income guidelines were updated March 23, 2025 to reflect new FPL amounts; some families saw a lower family share. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Start date reality: if approved, help can begin on the date your fully completed application is received by your local agency, so turn in all documents at once. (dcf.vermont.gov)
How the payment works: the state pays the program up to the state rate minus your family share. Programs can set their own tuition, so you may pay any difference between tuition and the state rate. (dcf.vermont.gov)

CCFAP income guide using 2025 FPL

These amounts show 575% of the 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines for the 48 states, which Vermont uses to set CCFAP thresholds. If your household is at or below these annual or monthly numbers, you may qualify. (aspe.hhs.gov)

Household size	575% FPL annual income	575% FPL monthly income
1	$89,987	$7,499
2	$121,612	$10,134
3	$153,237	$12,769
4	$184,862	$15,405
5	$216,487	$18,040
6	$248,112	$20,676

Tip: families at or below roughly these 175% FPL monthly amounts often have a $0 f ami l ys ha re in 2025—1 p erso n * *$ 2,282**, 2 people $3, 084 * *, 3 p eo pl e * *$ 3,886, 4 people $4,688. Vermont applies CCFAP using monthly calculations; your eligibility specialist will confirm the exact figure for your household. (dcf.vermont.gov, aspe.hhs.gov)

How to apply and get a fast decision

Best way: apply online through the CDDIS Parent Portal, or submit the paper form to your local county agency. Include all required documents to avoid delays. CCFAP for Families — how to apply. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Documents to gather now:
- Photo ID and proof of Vermont address.
- Pay stubs or other income proof for the last 4–6 weeks (or a signed job offer letter with start date).
- School/training schedule if you’re in classes.
- Child’s birth certificate or other proof of age; any disability documentation if applicable.
- Provider information (licensed program, school program, or approved relative). (dcf.vermont.gov)
Reality check: mobile phones can be glitchy with the portal; try a laptop and Google Chrome. If stuck, ask your local agency for help or use the CDDIS Help Desk. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Where to apply in your county

Use this to call the right office today.

County/Region	Agency	Phone
Addison	Mary Johnson Children’s Center	802-388-4304
Bennington	Sunrise Family Resource Center	802-442-0052
Caledonia/Essex (South)	Kingdom Child Care Connection at Umbrella	802-748-1992 option 3
Chittenden	Child Care Resource	802-863-3367 or 800-339-3367
Franklin/Grand Isle	Family Center of NCSS	802-524-6554
Lamoille	Lamoille Family Center	802-888-5229
Orange/Windsor (North)	The Family Place	802-649-3268 or 800-639-0039
Orleans/Essex (North)	Kingdom Child Care Connection at Umbrella	802-624-4157
Rutland	Vermont Achievement Center	802-773-4365 (CCFAP) / 802-747-0033 (referrals)
Washington	Family Center of Washington County	802-262-3292
Windham	Winston Prouty	802-257-7852
Windsor (South)/Windham (North)	Springfield Area Parent Child Center	802-886-5242 or 800-808-4442

Official list with addresses: Community Child Care Support Agencies. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Example — stacking CCFAP with a real program

Greater Burlington YMCA lists 2025–26 afterschool at $130/ w ee k * * f or 5 d a ys . I f CCF A P se t syo u r f ami l ys ha re a t * *$ 40/week, you’d pay $40; the state pays the rest up to the state rate, and you’d only owe any difference beyond the state rate if the tuition is higher. Always ask your provider to explain your statement. Greater Burlington YMCA — Afterschool. (gbymca.org, dcf.vermont.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your CCCSA about using an approved relative caregiver short‑term, waitlist strategies, or switching to a 21C school program with no tuition. If you’re in Chittenden County, call Child Care Resource at 802-863-3367; elsewhere, use the county table above. (childcareresource.org)

Free food after school and in summer

After School Snacks and Suppers (CACFP At‑Risk + NSLP Afterschool Snack)

What it is: Vermont schools and community sites can serve free snacks and/or suppers to kids in eligible areas after the school day. Programs in areas where at least 50% of students qualify for free/reduced-price meals can serve all kids at the free rate. AOE — After School Snacks & Meals. (education.vermont.gov)
Ages covered: through age 18. AOE — At‑Risk Afterschool Programs. (education.vermont.gov)
Language access: email AOE.LanguageAccess@vermont.gov for free language help. (education.vermont.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your school principal or afterschool coordinator whether they participate and, if not, to contact AOE Child Nutrition about eligibility. If you need food now, call 2‑1‑1 and ask for closest meal sites or food shelves (Vermont Foodbank partners). Hunger Free Vermont — get food help. (vermont211.org, hungerfreevt.org)

Summer nutrition options (SUN Meals and Summer EBT)

SUN Meals: free meals for all kids 18 and under at open sites. Vermont served over 1 million summer meals at almost 300 sites in 2024, and AOE continues SFSP in 2025. Use the USDA map or call 2‑1‑1. AOE press release, USDA SUN Meals. (education.vermont.gov, fns.usda.gov)
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) 2025 benefit: $40 p erc hi l d p er m o n t h * * (* *$ 120 for the summer) in the 48 states including Vermont. Benefit levels were confirmed by USDA for 2025. USDA Federal Register notice — 2025 benefit levels. (fns.usda.gov)
How to find your summer meal site: USDA’s map updates weekly; Vermont sites also appear via Hunger Free Vermont’s county lists and 2‑1‑1. Hunger Free Vermont — Summer Meals. (hungerfreevt.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if the USDA map looks empty early in the season, try again in a week or call 2‑1‑1 for the most current list. If Summer EBT instructions are unclear, ask your child’s school or the AOE Child Nutrition team for guidance. USDA SUN Bucks FAQ. (fns.usda.gov)

Find a program near you

School‑based 21C programs: Vermont’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers offer academic support and enrichment before/after school and in summer, primarily in higher‑need communities. In 2024–25, the state funded eight projects representing 46 sites (26 returning + 18 new). Contact your school or the state 21C coordinator Emanuel Betz at 802‑881‑4426. AOE 21C — after-school and aligned programs; FY25 grant results. (education.vermont.gov)
State Afterschool Grant (Act 78): Vermont launched $3.5 million in grants to expand afterschool and summer programs statewide; awards continue in 2025 (center-track awards announced April 15, 2025). Ask your district how these funds are used locally. Governor’s announcement and AOE news, 2025 center-track awards. (education.vermont.gov)
Vermont Afterschool program map and supports: statewide nonprofit hub with a directory and help for programs. Vermont Afterschool program map, About 21C. (vermontafterschool.org)
Boys & Girls Clubs:
- Burlington — 802-864-5263, 62 Oak St; afterschool K‑8 and teen drop‑in; scholarships available. Vermont 2‑1‑1 listing. (search.vermont211.org)
- Brattleboro — 802-254-5990, 17 Flat St; licensed afterschool, teen center, daily meals. Vermont 2‑1‑1 listing. (search.vermont211.org)
YMCA afterschool: sliding‑fee and accepts CCFAP. Greater Burlington YMCA lists 5‑day afterschool at $130/week for 2025–26. GBYMCA — Afterschool. (gbymca.org)
UVM Extension 4‑H: county clubs, afterschool projects, and camps; statewide helpline 802‑656‑7637 / 800‑278‑5471. UVM Extension 4‑H — contact & clubs. (uvm.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: dial 2‑1‑1 and ask for youth programs in your town, or email your principal and PTO about starting a 21C or State Afterschool Grant partnership with a local nonprofit. (vermont211.org)

Free and low‑cost enrichment extras

Vermont State Parks — free day use for many benefit recipients in 2025: through the Parks Access Fund pilot, families enrolled in 3SquaresVT, Reach Up, WIC, Fuel Assistance, General Assistance, Essential Person, and Summer EBT get free day‑use entry in 2025. Vermont Parks Forever — Park Access Fund pilot. (vermontparksforever.org)
Library State Park Pass: borrow a pass at your local library for free day use for one car (up to 8 people). Department of Libraries — State Park and Historic Site Passes. (libraries.vermont.gov)
Standard Parks passes and prices: see day‑use options, including $90 * * se a so n v e hi c l e p a ss, * *$ 30 individual pass, and $30 punch card. Vermont State Parks — Day Use. (vtstateparks.com)

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing documents: eligibility can’t be set until everything is in. Upload or hand in all items at once, and keep copies.
Choosing a program that can’t accept subsidy: CCFAP pays only licensed/registered or approved relative providers and eligible school programs. Always confirm eligibility. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Waiting on the portal: if the online system stalls, call your local agency the same day to keep your start date.
Assuming meals are automatic: afterschool food service depends on the program; ask whether your site participates in CACFP At‑Risk or NSLP Snack. (education.vermont.gov)
Relying on one program: Vermont sites fill quickly; put your name on multiple lists and ask about 21C or State Afterschool Grant programs at nearby schools. (education.vermont.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call 2‑1‑1, ask for your county’s CCCSA, and request application help and backup program leads. (vermont211.org)

Diverse communities

LGBTQ+ single mothers: consider programs with inclusive policies and youth spaces like Outright Vermont which runs statewide youth groups and family supports. Email programs@outrightvt.org or check the events page for meetups in your area. Outright Vermont — youth groups. (outrightvt.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: call Vermont Family Network at 802‑876‑5315 for free one‑on‑one help navigating school, disability services, and respite; interpreters available. Vermont Family Network — helpline. (vermontfamilynetwork.org)
Veteran single mothers and Guard/Reserve families: the Vermont National Guard Child & Youth Program offers activities, support, and referrals. Lead coordinator 802‑338‑3369; 24/7 Family Readiness line 888‑607‑8773. VTNG Child & Youth Program. (ngfamily.vt.gov)
Immigrant and refugee single moms: ask your school and afterschool program for language access; the AOE offers free assistance at AOE.LanguageAccess@vermont.gov. Many 21C sites partner with ELL programs and community groups. (education.vermont.gov)
Tribal‑specific resources: if your family identifies with a Vermont Abenaki community, ask your school or district cultural liaison about scholarship‑supported programs and 21C enrichment connected to Native studies. Your CCCSA can help locate culturally relevant providers.
Rural single moms with limited access: look for SUN Meals To‑Go in rural areas and ask about transportation or satellite sites. Use the USDA map plus 2‑1‑1 for current non‑congregate options. (fns.usda.gov)
Single fathers raising children: all programs and subsidies listed here apply regardless of gender; your local CCCSA will assist dads as well. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Language access across agencies: 2‑1‑1 provides translation when you call; the AOE and many nonprofits can arrange interpreters for meetings. (vermont211.org, education.vermont.gov)

What exists statewide and how to use it

Table — who to call for what

Need	Who to call	Number / Link
Find openings, food, or emergency help	Vermont 2‑1‑1	2‑1‑1, text 898211, 802‑652‑4636 / 866‑652‑4636 — Contact 2‑1‑1
Pay for afterschool/camp	CCFAP via your CCCSA or online	County phone numbers above; CCFAP program page
Free snacks/suppers after school	AOE Child Nutrition	After School Snacks & Meals
Summer meals map	USDA site finder	Find summer meals
Summer EBT amount	USDA SUN Bucks	*$40/ m o n t h * (* $ 120 total*) in 2025 — USDA notice
School‑based programs	VT 21C/State Afterschool	State 21C coordinator 802‑881‑4426; AOE — After-School & Summer

Citations: AOE, DCF, USDA. (education.vermont.gov, dcf.vermont.gov, fns.usda.gov)

Application checklist you can print

Photo ID and Vermont address proof.
Income proof (pay stubs, child support received, or benefits letters).
Work/school schedule or job offer.
Child’s information (birth certificate; IEP/504 if relevant).
Provider details (license/registration or approved‑relative paperwork). (dcf.vermont.gov)

Realistic timelines

CCFAP: assistance may begin on the date your completed application is received. Processing time varies by workload; submit all documents together and check your CDDIS messages. (dcf.vermont.gov)
21C and State Afterschool: programs tend to post enrollment in late summer; many accept students year‑round if capacity allows. New center‑track awards were announced April 15, 2025. (education.vermont.gov)
SUN Meals/Summer EBT: meal site maps update weekly during the summer; Summer EBT benefits are set at the federal level each year (2025 stayed at $40/month). (fns.usda.gov)

Fees, scholarships, and stacking funds

State pays the program up to the state rate minus your family share. You might still owe a difference if tuition is higher than the state rate. Ask your provider to explain your statement and scholarship options. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Provider scholarships: YMCA and many city rec programs have sliding‑scale aid on top of CCFAP. Burlington offers 50–100% scholarships based on need for eligible residents; call 802‑864‑0123. Burlington Recreation — scholarships. (burlingtonvt.gov)
Parks & free enrichment: State Parks library passes and the Parks Access Fund pilot can reduce summer costs for outings. (libraries.vermont.gov, vermontparksforever.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your CCCSA about switching to an eligible program so CCFAP can pay, or move to a free 21C school program if available. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Vermont programs and data that matter in 2025

CCFAP expansion: as of October 6, 2024, eligibility rose to 575% FPL, with family share up to $425/week; March 23, 2025 updated the income charts to the 2025 FPL. (dcf.vermont.gov)
State Afterschool investment: Vermont is investing cannabis‑tax receipts in afterschool via Act 78, with $3.5M in FY24 and continuing grant awards in 2025. (education.vermont.gov)
Summer meals scale: Vermont served over 1 million summer meals at nearly 300 sites in 2024; the program returned for 2025. (education.vermont.gov)

FAQs for single moms in Vermont

Is afterschool at my child’s public school free? Many school programs are free if they’re 21C‑funded; others charge but accept CCFAP. Ask your school office and check 21C listings. (education.vermont.gov)
Can CCFAP pay just for afterschool or just for summer camp? Yes, if the program is eligible (licensed/registered or school‑based) and you meet service need and income rules. (dcf.vermont.gov)
What if my provider isn’t licensed? CCFAP can pay an approved relative caregiver (grandparent, aunt/uncle, certain siblings) if they complete paperwork, or you can switch to a licensed site. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Do I have to be a citizen? Vermont ended the child citizenship requirement for CCFAP on July 1, 2024; check with your CCCSA if you have questions. (dcf.vermont.gov)
How much will I pay each week? Your “family share” could be $0-$ 425/week depending on income and family size; families under about 175% FPL generally have a $0 share. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Where can my teen get safe, affirming activities? Try school 21C programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Outright Vermont youth groups. (search.vermont211.org, outrightvt.org)
Who helps if my child has disabilities? Vermont Family Network offers free one‑on‑one help at 802‑876‑5315. (vermontfamilynetwork.org)
Can I get food help when school’s out? Yes — SUN Meals sites are open to all kids, and Summer EBT provides $120/child for groceries in 2025. (fns.usda.gov)
What if the online CCFAP application breaks? Use a laptop with Chrome and contact your CCCSA or the CDDIS Help Desk; you can also submit the paper application. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Is there support for military families? Yes — VT National Guard Child & Youth Program at 802‑338‑3369 and the 24/7 Family Readiness line 888‑607‑8773. (ngfamily.vt.gov)

Region-by-region resources (high‑impact picks)

Chittenden County: Boys & Girls Club of Burlington 802‑864‑5263; Child Care Resource 802‑863‑3367; GBYMCA afterschool ($130/week, CCFAP accepted). (search.vermont211.org, dcf.vermont.gov, gbymca.org)
Windham County: Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro 802‑254‑5990; Winston Prouty 802‑257‑7852 (CCFAP help). (search.vermont211.org, dcf.vermont.gov)
Washington County: Family Center of Washington County 802‑262‑3292; Montpelier Recreation’s Capital Kids camps accept subsidy and list due dates (watch for June deadlines). (dcf.vermont.gov, montpelier-vt.org)
Franklin/Grand Isle: Family Center at NCSS 802‑524‑6554 (CCFAP); check for 21C at MVSD and local schools. (dcf.vermont.gov)
Statewide helplines: Vermont 2‑1‑1 2‑1‑1; Help Me Grow (child development) 2‑1‑1 option 6; Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988. (vermont211.org)

Tables you can screenshot

Table — CCFAP at a glance

Item	Details
Maximum income	Up to 575% FPL (see table above)
Family share	$0-$ 425/week, $0 for many families ≤175% FPL
Covers	Licensed/registered care, school‑based afterschool, some camps, approved relatives
Start of help	From the date a complete application is received
Apply	Online via CDDIS or through your CCCSA

Sources: DCF program and news pages, 2025 update notice. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Table — Summer nutrition in Vermont

Option	Cost	Where	How
SUN Meals	Free	Schools, parks, libraries	Use USDA map or call 2‑1‑1
SUN Meals To‑Go	Free	Select rural areas	Ask site or state agency; options vary
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)	$120/child total	Groceries at EBT retailers	Check state notices; many kids auto‑qualify

Sources: USDA SUN Meals and SUN Bucks pages, AOE press release. (fns.usda.gov, education.vermont.gov)

Table — Who runs programs and grants

Program	Who runs it	Notes
21C	VT Agency of Education	Free/low‑cost academic/enrichment; FY25 funded 46 sites in latest cycle
State Afterschool Grant	VT Agency of Education	$3.5M launched FY24; 2025 center‑track awards announced
Vermont Afterschool	Nonprofit network	Program map, technical assistance

Sources: AOE pages and grants announcements; Vermont Afterschool. (education.vermont.gov, vermontafterschool.org)

Table — County contacts (for quick dialing)

See “Where to apply” table above for full list and phone‑ready numbers. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Table — Free & low‑cost family outings

Option	How it helps	Where to get it
Parks Access Fund pilot	Free day‑use for families on 3SquaresVT, Reach Up, WIC, etc., in 2025	Vermont Parks Forever — pilot
Library State Park Pass	Free day‑use for one car (up to 8 people)	Ask your local library
State Parks passes	Discounted season passes and punch cards	VT State Parks — day use

Sources: Vermont Parks Forever; VT State Parks; Department of Libraries. (vermontparksforever.org, vtstateparks.com, libraries.vermont.gov)

Reality checks and tips

Spots fill early: get on lists by late spring and confirm your enrollment in writing.
Hours vs. your shifts: if the program ends before your work shift, ask about transportation to a relative caregiver approved under CCFAP for the last hour.
Document every change: report income or schedule changes quickly to adjust your family share and avoid overpayments.
Ask about food: even if your program charges tuition, kids may still get free snacks or suppers if the site participates in CACFP At‑Risk. (education.vermont.gov)

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: This guide uses official sources from the Vermont Agency of Education, Vermont Department for Children and Families, USDA, and established nonprofits. (education.vermont.gov, dcf.vermont.gov, fns.usda.gov)

Editorial standards: We follow ASingleMother.org’s Editorial Policy for primary sourcing, frequent updates, and clear limitations.

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

Contact for corrections: email info@asinglemother.org. We correct verified errors within 48 hours.

Disclaimer

Important: Program amounts, eligibility, and timelines can change. Always confirm details with your local agency, school, or program before you enroll or make financial decisions. We link directly to official sources and update regularly, but we are independent researchers and not government employees. For site security and your privacy, do not email sensitive personal documents to unknown addresses; use state portals or deliver in person when possible. (dcf.vermont.gov)

What to do if you still feel stuck

Call: 2‑1‑1 and ask for a warm transfer to your county’s CCCSA for CCFAP help and immediate openings.
Email: your school principal and ask whether your school has a 21C or State Afterschool Grant program and how to enroll mid‑year. (education.vermont.gov)
Message: your afterschool provider to request a written fee plan showing your family share and any scholarship credits so you can plan your budget. (dcf.vermont.gov)

If you need help prioritizing next steps for your town, reply and tell me your school district and your kid’s grades. I can map out a 10‑minute plan with the exact phones and links.

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