HomeChild CareNew MexicoMescalero Apache Tribe's CCDF Child Care Assistance Program
How to Apply: Mescalero Apache Tribe's CCDF Child Care Assistance Program
New Mexico · 5 StepsEnrolled tribal families who work, go to school, or have kids in foster or protective care
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 5: See if your family fits
For enrolled tribal members
- You work or go to school
- Kids 6 weeks to 12 years
- Your own home address
Important: Homes shared by more than one family are not eligible.Step 2 of 5: Pick up the form
At any tribal center
- Mescalero CDC
- Carrizo CDC
- IMGR&C center
Good to know: Carrizo CDC serves kids up to age 5. The other centers take kids up to age 12.Step 3 of 5: Get your papers ready
- Pay stubs or work letter
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificate and shot records
- Certificate of Indian Blood
Important: If you are a student, also bring your class schedule.Step 4 of 5: Turn in your form
Sign it and attach your papers
- Drop off at Mescalero CDC
- Mail to P.O. Box 227
- Fax to (575) 464-9224
Don't miss: Incomplete applications cause delays. Check everything before you turn it in.Step 5 of 5: Wait for your answer
- Go to orientation if scheduled
- Enroll your child after approval
- Questions? Call (575) 464-9224
Important: Help starts only after approval. It does not pay for care from before.Good to know: The center handles the billing for you once your child is enrolled.
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s CCDF Child Care Assistance Program.
What is the CCDF Child Care Assistance Program?
The Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF) program provides financial support to eligible Mescalero Apache families who are working, attending school, in foster/protective custody, or are students. It covers child care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years at local centers including Mescalero Child Development Center, Carrizo, and IMGR&C Team Member Center.
How do I apply for the CCDF program?
Pick up the application at any of the tribal centers: Mescalero CDC, Carrizo CDC, or IMGR&C center.
Complete and sign the application and gather documentation (see next section).
Submit via in-person drop-off at Mescalero CDC, by mail to P.O. Box 227, or faxed to the CCDF Monitor at (575) 464‑9224
Incomplete applications cause delays—review everything before submitting .
How long does it take to receive funds?
Once approved, child care services are billed directly by the center per enrollment. Funding does not retroactively cover past care, so timing of request matters.
What do the application steps look like?
Get the application form at a tribal center.
Complete and sign your application and attach required documents.
Submit it to the CCDF Monitor or Director.
Attend orientation if scheduled.
Eligible children are enrolled at the chosen center once funding is confirmed.
CCDF covers ongoing care during school/work hours.
What documentation is required?
Income verification: Recent pay stubs (last 4–6 weeks) or employment letter with hours/pay schedule.
Social Security cards for all household members.
Child’s birth certificate or baptismal record and updated immunization records
School/class schedule if the parent is a student.
Foster or protective custody documentation, if applicable.
Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) for all immediate family members.
Any additional relevant documentation (e.g. special needs, guardianship).
Common FAQs
1. Who is eligible?Families who are enrolled tribal members, working, schooling, in foster/protective custody, single parents, or have children with special needs.
2. What age range is covered?Children 6 weeks to 12 years at Mescalero and IMGR&C centers; up to 5 years at Carrizo CDC.
3. Can services start before approval?No—CCDF does not cover care before your application is approved.
4. What if I live in a multi-family home?Households in multi-family homes are not eligible—you must have a private address.
5. What if I miss documents or forms?Incomplete applications delay funding—double-check everything before turning in your packet.
Who do I contact about my application status?
CCDF Monitor / MCDC Director at (575) 464‑9224 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 am–4:30 pm)
Mescalero Child Care Center: (575) 464‑9224
Carrizo Child Development Center: (575) 464‑3000
IMGR&C Team Member Child Care Center: (575) 464‑7600.
Last updated June 17, 2025