New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 15 - CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE
Part 2 - REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR CLIENTS AND CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
Section 8.15.2.16 - DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. The department pays child care providers who provide child care services to department clients in a timely manner.

B. Child care assistance workers perform all casework functions in a timely manner, including the processing of payments and notifications of case actions.

C. Child care assistance workers will perform all eligibility and recertification determinations within 10 working days upon receipt of all required documentation from the client.

D. Child care assistance workers notify clients and providers in writing of all actions, which affect services, benefits, or provider payments or status, citing the applicable policy.

E. Child care assistance workers determine eligibility for all child care assistance programs except for TANF. Eligibility for TANF is determined by the New Mexico human services department.

F. Child care assistance workers must inform parents or legal guardians of their right to choose their child care providers and provide information on how to look for quality child care in a provider.

G. The department and other organizations approved by the department provide information and orientation programs regarding child care assistance benefits, quality child care issues, and the impact of child care on the child's physical, mental, social and emotional development to parents or legal guardians and providers.

H. The department and other organizations approved by the department offers provider education programs consisting of training on program participation requirements, parent or legal guardian and provider responsibilities, licensing and registration requirements, payment issuance and background check processing, the competency areas for child care providers as outlined by the office of child development, or the department, the importance of providing quality child care, and other topics of interest to parents or legal guardians and providers. These education programs count toward the continuing education hours required of providers by registration and licensing regulations.