Have children?

More New Mexico families than ever are eligible for free child care!*

When it comes to our kids, a little extra help can go a long way.
*The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department is currently waiving copayments for any family that qualifies for the childcare assistance program (as of May 8, 2023). If a copay schedule is reinstated in the future, any effected families will be given a three-month advance notice that they will be required to pay a copay. If a copay schedule is reinstated in the future, ECECD has redesigned its copay schedule to ensure that families earning less than 185% FPL (Federal Poverty Level) will not have a copay and families earning between 185.1% FPL and 400% FPL will continue to be eligible for child care assistance and never pay more than 5 percent of their household income in copays.
We want to make sure that all of New Mexico’s little ones (and their families) are well cared for.
Child care provider with child in classroom

Have children?

More New Mexico families than ever are eligible for free child care!*

When it comes to our kids, a little extra help can go a long way.

*The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department is currently waiving copayments for any family that qualifies for the childcare assistance program (as of May 8, 2023). If a copay schedule is reinstated in the future, any effected families will be given a three-month advance notice that they will be required to pay a copay. If a copay schedule is reinstated in the future, ECECD has redesigned its copay schedule to ensure that families earning less than 185% FPL (Federal Poverty Level) will not have a copay and families earning between 185.1% FPL and 400% FPL will continue to be eligible for child care assistance and never pay more than 5 percent of their household income in copays.

We want to make sure that all of New Mexico’s little ones (and their families) are well cared for.

What is Child Care Assistance and How to Apply

What is Child Care Assistance and How to Apply

Find out if you’re eligible right now.
It only takes a few minutes.

Find out if you’re eligible right now.
It only takes a few minutes.

Am I Eligible?

Or call 1 (800)-691-9067 to speak with a Family Specialist who can help you review your child care options and walk you through the process of applying.

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Find a Child Care Provider

Need help finding a child care provider? Click below to search for care that fits your family's needs.

Find A Provider

Free Child Care in New Mexico? Yes, and this is how it works:

Featured image for “Free Child Care in New Mexico? Yes, and this is how it works:”
A New Mexico Program helps families cover the cost of care so you can choose the care that works best…
From breakfast to bedtime there are tons of simple, everyday moments you share with your little one that can put them on the path to a bright future.
This program helps families of all kinds!
Decorative orange and white wavy background pattenDecorative orange and white wavy background pattenDecorative orange and white wavy background pattenAn illustrated father and toddler standing and holding hands

Randal

Liam

Randal & Liam

Occupation:

Restaurant Manager

$3,000

2

Qualifies for free child care!

Number in household:

Income:

Randal & Liam

Occupation:

Restaurant Manager

$3,000

2

Qualifies for free child care!

Number in household:

Income:

An illustration of two parents standing with a child using a mobility assistance device

Alex

Liliana

Two illustrated grandparent type figures holding very young children

Anton

Liliana, Alex, & Anton

Occupation:

Teacher & Retail Worker

$6,000

Qualifies for free child care!

Number in household:

Income:

Occupation:

3, soon to be 4!

Number in household:

Income:

Lucas

Rose

Marisol

Sam

Income:

Number in household:

Qualifies for free child care!

4

$2,500

Retired

Occupation:

Sam, Rose, Marisol, & Lucas

Income:

Number in household:

Occupation:

Decorative Blue LineDecorative Blue LineDecorative Blue LineDecorative Blue LineDecorative Blue LineDecorative Blue LineDecorative Blue Line

This program helps families of all kinds!

Decorative orange and white wavy background pattenAn illustrated father and toddler standing and holding handsAn illustration of two parents standing with a child using a mobility assistance deviceTwo illustrated grandparent type figures holding very young children

Randal

Liam

Alex

Lucas

Rose

Marisol

Sam

Liliana

Anton

Randal & Liam

Occupation:

Restaurant Manager

$3,000

2

Qualifies for free child care!

Number in household:

Income:

Randal & Liam

Occupation:

Restaurant Manager

$3,000

2

Qualifies for free child care!

Number in household:

Income:

Liliana, Alex, & Anton

Occupation:

Teacher & Retail Worker

$6,000

Qualifies for free child care!

Number in household:

Income:

Occupation:

3, soon to be 4!

Number in household:

Income:

Income:

Number in household:

Qualifies for free child care!

4

$2,500

Retired

Occupation:

Sam, Rose, Marisol, & Lucas

Income:

Number in household:

Occupation:

We’re here to help!

Featured image for “If Caring For Children is Part of Your Life, It Could Also Be Your Career”

If Caring For Children is Part of Your Life, It Could Also Be Your Career

New scholarships, funding, and other benefits can help you become an early childhood educator…
Featured image for “Don’t think you qualify for help paying for child care? Think again.”

Don’t think you qualify for help paying for child care? Think again.

Thanks to new rules, more New Mexico families qualify for help than ever before…
Featured image for “How to Find Child Care in New Mexico that Works for You”

How to Find Child Care in New Mexico that Works for You

A new, free search tool can help…

More Care Programs for Your Family:

In-home Child Care

Already have someone who watches your children or can’t find child care in your area? Family, friends, and neighbors may be eligible to obtain a license for their care of your child from the State of New Mexico.

Learn more about becoming a licensed and registered home child care provider by visiting here or by calling 1-833-551-0518.

Already have someone who watches your children or can’t find child care in your area? Family, friends, and neighbors may be eligible to obtain a license for their care of your child from the State of New Mexico.

Learn more about becoming a licensed and registered home child care provider by visiting here or by calling 1-833-551-0518.

Family Infant & Toddler Program (FIT)

The FIT Program supports families with children from birth through age two who have or are at risk for a developmental delay. It is a free early intervention program through the State of New Mexico. You don’t have to feel certain that your child has a delay in development. Simply being concerned is enough to get in touch. Hear from Camila, a New Mexico mom, about her experience with the program here.
The Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program supports families with children from birth up to their third birthday who have or are at risk for a developmental delay or disability. It is a free early intervention program housed in the Family Support and Early Intervention Division of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD). Hear from Camila, a New Mexico mom, about her experience with the program here.

Home Visiting 

Everyone—no matter if it’s your first child or your fourth—needs someone trusted to talk to and ask parenting questions. Your home visitor offers that support. You can trust them on a wide range of topics including prenatal care, safe sleep, injury prevention, self care, nutrition, growth and development, breast feeding, and more. Learn more here.

New Mexico offers 33 Home Visiting programs around the state that are tailored to your needs and your family. Find a program near you here.

Everyone—no matter if it’s your first child or your fourth—needs someone trusted to talk to and ask parenting questions. Your home visitor offers that support. You can trust them on a wide range of topics including prenatal care, safe sleep, injury prevention, self care, nutrition, growth and development, breast feeding, and more. Learn more here.

New Mexico offers 33 Home Visiting programs around the state that are tailored to your needs and your family. Find a program near you here.

New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department Logo

This program is brought to you by New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

Moments Together and this resource list is brought to you by New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

Parent and child with dishes

About
Moments
Together

The Moments Together campaign is an effort out of the State of New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Learn more about the campaign:

Learn More

About
Moments
Together

The Moments Together campaign is an effort out of the State of New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Learn more about the campaign:
Learn More
Parent and child with dishes