Bill > SB241

This bill establishes the Child Care Assistance Program Act, creating a program administered by the early childhood education and care department (referred to as "the department") to provide financial assistance for child care to eligible children. The program aims to improve child care quality and child development, offering parents choices among various types of child care facilities. Eligibility for assistance is based on factors such as the child's age (under thirteen, or under nineteen if disabled or under court supervision), residency in New Mexico, and the parent or legal guardian's employment, student status, participation in job training, receipt of public assistance, homelessness, or other qualifying circumstances, including incapacitation. The bill also outlines requirements for child care facilities participating in the program, including reporting staff qualifications and salaries, and mandates that the department conduct unannounced visits to ensure compliance. Furthermore, it details how copayments for child care services will be determined, potentially using a sliding scale based on household income or a waitlist if demand exceeds available funds, and establishes rules for setting payment rates for child care facilities that consider quality, staff wages, and different care needs. The department is also tasked with reporting on the program's implementation and costs to legislative committees.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=241&year=26