Supports 12,000 additional children in New Mexico.
55
New Licensed Centers
Supports 6,600 Children
120
New Licensed Homes
Supports 1,400 Children
1,000
New Registered Homes
Supports 4,000 Children
Family inNew Mexico
New Mexico families can now get help paying for child care — no income limits.
1
Universal Child Care Basics
2
How to Apply
3
Top Questions from Families
How Child Care Assistance Works for Families
Simple, flexible support designed to meet families where they are.
Available to all working families and students in New Mexico — regardless of income or immigration status
Immediate assistance with minimal documentation while applications are processed
State-funded support for children without federally eligible immigration status
Families choose any participating child care provider with an available slot
No copayments, taxes, or additional fees
Available to all working families and students in New Mexico — regardless of income or immigration status
Immediate assistance with minimal documentation while applications are processed
State-funded support for children without federally eligible immigration status
Families choose any participating child care provider with an available slot
No copayments, taxes, or additional fees
Overview of Changes for Families
Simple, flexible support designed to meet families where they are.
Activity requirements waived for certain families, including:
• Grandparents raising grandchildren
• Families caring for substance-exposed newborns
• Families experiencing housing instability
• Families involved with CYFD
Presumptive eligibility
Allows families to enroll in Child Care Assistance while their application is being processed, reducing delays and speeding up access to care
Flexible hours of care
Let families choose full-time or part-time enrollment, regardless of work or school schedules
Apply for Universal Child Care
Apply online, by phone, or with help whichever works best for you.
Find Child Care
Like Kidz R Us :)
Apply for Assistance
Apply online or get help applying
Get Support if Needed
Questions or concerns? We’re here to help
What You’ll Need to Apply
Proof of income
Birth verification for children in your home
School or education schedule (if applicable)
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of New Mexico residency
Child care provider contact information
Presumptive Eligibility
Here’s What You’ll Need to be Presumed Eligible for up to 90 days:
Requirement
Self-Attested or Required Document
Birth Verification for all children living in the applicant’s home
Required Documentation
Qualifying Activity (work or school)
Self Attested
Proof of New Mexico Residency
Required Documentation
Government-Issued Photo ID for Applicant
Required Documentation
Contact info for selected child care provider
Self-Attested
Online Steps to Apply for Child Care Assistance
Start at eligibility.ececd.nm.gov
Create a user account – login/register
Complete the application and upload the required documents.
Submit application
ECECD will review your application and contact you to set up an interview.
During this process, you will be able to
check the status of your application online.
You may be determined Presumptively Eligible for up to 90-days
If you are missing any documents, you will be given a Notice of Action and deadline to provide the required documents
Once all necessary documents are provided, you will be determined eligible for up to 12-months.
Top Questions from Families
What if my child is already enrolled and I’m paying out of pocket?
What if my child is already enrolled and I do not have out of pocket costs?
What if my child is not enrolled in child care?
What happens after I apply?
What programs are included?
Is there enough child care to support families’ needs?
What are the activity requirements?
I'm on a waiting list – what do I do?
What does this mean for Nations, Pueblos and Tribes?
.svg){kind=small}
