The newly expanded Child Care Assistance Program subsidizes the cost of child care for families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level who are working and/or in school – $9,250 per month/$111,000 per year or less for a family of four. Effective May 1 and through June 30, 2023, all families enrolled in the state’s child care assistance program will no longer be required to co-pay for child care. Funds for the current expansion period come from the US bailout. Ongoing funding would come from the Early Childhood Trust Fund and the Land Grant Permanent Fund, if approved by voters in the November general election.
Who can apply for childcare assistance?
Any parent or legal guardian who is working, going to school, actively looking for a job, or participating in a job training program can apply for assistance with childcare costs. They must be a resident of the state of New Mexico.
How to register:
1. Apply in person at a state child care office, including 3401 Pan American Freeway NE in Albuquerque, 4359 Jager Drive NE Ste A in Rio Rancho, and 750 Morris Road in Los Lunas. To see nmececd.org/contact us/ for additional offices. Or call a local Department of Early Childhood Education and Care child care office to have the paperwork mailed to you.
2. Apply online at eligibility.ececd.state.nm.us.
3. Apply by submitting the application and all required documents via email to ChildCareAssistance@state.nm.us. Be careful with personally identifiable information.
Information and/or documents must be submitted with the application. The full list can be found on the website and includes current proof of earned and unearned income, including child support; a school timetable, if applicable; birth verification of applicant children; proof of residency and contact information for the selected childcare provider.
What income is considered to determine eligibility?
Book income includes gross wages from employment, self-employment income, retirement/pensions, workers’ compensation, alimony, royalties, income from rental property, and certain employee benefits. social Security. Some income is exempt.
Need help finding a daycare?
A search site is available at newmexicokids.org, or you can call (800) 691-9067. This can help you understand the voluntary star rating system, home center and provider locations, staffing ratios, training, and other things important to you when selecting a provider.
Do all child care providers accept state payment?
According to the Office of Child Care Services, most do, but not all. Provider availability varies by community and community region. A supplier is not required to participate in the government program.
Does the state pay the supplier directly?
Payment is made to the child care provider. According to NM code R8.15.2.17-Payment for services: the tariffs set are informed by a cost estimation model and include expenses for registration/education fees per child, and children’s activities and families on behalf of clients. The payment amount is based on the age of the child and the average number of hours per week needed per child during the certification period.
The department pays a differential rate depending on the license or registration status of the provider; the supplier’s national accreditation status, if applicable; and supplier star level status, if applicable. In the event of a public health emergency, the department secretary may approve that a differential fee be paid to licensed providers. The ministry pays a differential rate of 5%, 10% or 15% of the applicable full-time/part-time rate to providers who provide care during non-traditional hours.
Search online for code NM § R 8.15.2.17 for more information.
Can a family member or friend be paid for childcare?
Registered home care providers for four children or less, who meet the requirements, can be paid. Providers are generally related to the children in their care. To see nmececd.org/child-care-licensing-and-registered-homes/ or call 1 (800) 832-1321 for more information.
Is NM working to get more child care providers?
The state Department of Early Childhood Education and Care offers education “completion support” in the form of an Early Childhood Educator Achievement Scholarship, which provides a stipend of $2,000 per semester for full-time students and up to $1,500 for part-time students. The grant is opened and administered by the individual educational institutions in which the students are enrolled.
The ECECD has identified $10 million for grants to increase the availability of child care services in communities where they are most needed. Grant information will be released soon.
