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3 Parents’ Guide to Selecting Quality Child Care | CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE What is the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program? Child Care Assistance (CCA) in New Mexico is managed by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department’s (ECECD) Child Care Service Bureau. CCA subsidizes the cost of child care for families earning at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which amounts to an income of up to $120,000 annually for a family of four. You can find the most recent income guidelines for ECECD’s Child Care Assistance program at nmececd.org/child-care-assistance/. Any parent or legal guardian who is working, going to school, or in a job training program can apply for Child Care Assistance. Individuals who are searching for employment and need help with child care expenses are also eligible to apply. Currently, families who qualify for the program do not have to make co-payments for child care services, making it a cost-effective option for many. ECECD will let parents know three months in advance if co-payments are going to start again. To learn about the most recent co-payment news related to the Child Care Assistance Program, visit the Child Care Assistance page on ECECD’s website at nmececd.org/child-care-assistance/. The page provides updates on co-payments, eligibility criteria, and other important details for families seeking assistance. What ages qualify for the Child Care Assistance program? Any child between the ages of six weeks and 13 years, or up to 18 years of age if special supervision is required. Who may provide care for my child? You can choose the best option that meets your family’s needs. This includes a licensed child care center, licensed child care home, Out-of-School-Time program, or a registered family child care home. If you are approved for Child Care Assistance, ECECD pays your provider directly each month based on the Department rate. You may also be required to pay a co-payment. New Mexico Child Care Finder Visit ECECD’s New Mexico Child Care Finder to filter results that meet your family’s needs. The Child Care Finder, allows parents and caregivers to search for one of the 1000+ child care programs statewide, filtering by proximity, age of child, quality rating, tuition, language, program type, and more. Need a customized referral with a Family Specialist? Please call NewMexicoKids Resource and Referral at 1 (800) 691-9067. The call will be personalized to your specific needs. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and referrals will be given to you via e-mail or over the phone. Calls are returned Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for the New Mexico Child Care Finder and locate Child Care settings. childcare.ececd.nm.gov/search Scan Me