Statement to Families

Dear New Mexico Parents and Families,

Thank you for visiting NewMexicoKids to explore your Early Childhood Services options.

We hope this website provides a pleasent experience and a successful search for programs and services.

If you would like further assistance, such as exploring your childcare options, learning about home visiting programs, or connecting with other early childhood services, please contact us at 1-800-691-9067 statewide. We encourage you to visit the website at www.NewMexicoKids.org for more information on early care and education programs, state regulations, inspection reports, FOCUS (New Mexico’s quality rating system).

Families should contact the early childhood options they are considering and ask questions pertaining to issues that are important to them. Visit the program as many times as you need to feel comfortable making a final decision. Review inspection reports on licensed child care programs to help you make the best decision for your family. Please utilize this checklist Selecting Child Care to help with decisions or use the Parent Guide for more guidance.

Do you need help paying for childcare?

ECECD Child Care Assistance Services provides help with the cost of childcare. Payments are issued and mailed in the form of a check to the approved child care program or provider if the provider is licensed or registered by the state of NM. Your co-payment is based on the size of your family and your family's income.

Consider using the Am I Eligible Survey to see what program/s you may qualify for.

Information regarding NM’s FOCUS Quality Rating System: (Star Ratings are issued only by the State of NM)

  • No Rating/Registered: Family Child Care Home Providers are certified by ECECD but are not licensed. Registered Home Providers are regulated by a food program sponsor through the Family Nutrition Bureau.
  • 1-STAR (Basic Licensure): Provider has met basic licensing criteria by ECECD and does not accept childcare assistance.
  • 2-STAR (Basic Licensure): Provider has met basic licensing criteria by ECECD and does accept childcare assistance.
  • 3-STAR: Provider has met basic licensing requirements and additional 3-STAR NM FOCUS criteria.
  • 4-STAR: Provider has met basic licensing requirements and additional 3 & 4-STAR NM FOCUS criteria.
  • 5-STAR: Provider has met basic licensing requirements and additional 3, 4 & 5-STAR NM FOCUS criteria.

NewMexicoKids Resource and Referral Services

NewMexicoKids Resource and Referral believes that parents/guardians are best able to choose and evaluate services for their children because they know their family's needs best and are encouraged to act on their own knowledge and feelings as they select from options regarding childcare or other early care and education services.

NewMexicoKids Resource and Referral R&R does not discriminate in providing referrals and/or support services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, sexual preference, or other protected status.

NewMexicoKids Resource and Referral is not a regulatory entity, and therefore does not investigate complaints regarding programs, agencies, or providers. However, should we receive a complaint against any program the complaint will be documented and forwarded to the proper authorities, agency, childcare licensing and/or food program/childcare sponsors. Any action taken by NewMexicoKids staff will reflect NewMexicoKids commitment to safeguard children and provide families with the service options that best meet their needs. There is no charge for the service.

DISCLAIMER:

Our goal is to assist families in finding the widest range of available service options. The Office of Child Development, the State of New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Dept, the University of New Mexico, and the NewMexicoKids Resource and Referral are not responsible for inaccuracies in either the data contained in or disseminated from the referral database, nor are they responsible for action taken in reference to information provided from the referral database. The above agencies are also not responsible for finding, securing, or ensuring continued services for families nor are they responsible for evaluating the quality of the services.

Thank you for your time in seeking support for your healthy family.