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 8.15.2.6 - OBJECTIVE

A. To establish standards and procedures for the provision of child care assistance benefits to eligible clients and to establish the rights and responsibilities of child care providers who receive payment for providing child care services to clients receiving benefits. To establish minimum requirements for eligibility for program participation and for the provision of child care services to children whose families are receiving benefits and to allow children receiving these benefits access to quality child care settings that promote their physical, mental, emotional, and social development in a safe environment. To establish standards and procedures that promote equal access to services and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, or age (40 or older).

B. To establish child care assistance rates in accordance with the requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which is the primary federal funding source of child care assistance to enable parents to work or pursue education and training so that they may better support their families while at the same time promoting the learning and development of their children. The CCDBG requires every state to submit an updated CCDF plan every three years. A key requirement of the CCDBG Act is that lead agencies establish subsidy payment rates that ensure equal access to child care for children receiving child care assistance. States have two options to establish subsidy payment rates that ensure equal access: lead agencies must collect and analyze data through either a statistically valid and reliable market rate survey, or through an ACF pre-approved alternative methodology, such as a cost estimation model. New Mexico's rates, as set forth herein, and effective July 1, 2021 were informed by a cost estimation model and with extensive statewide stakeholder engagement. This new cost estimation model was developed in collaboration with fiscal experts and local stakeholders to set subsidy rates at a level that supports the true cost of delivering high quality early childhood education to New Mexico's children and families. The child care subsidy rates set forth herein are designed to ensure equal access to child care for children on child care assistance and ensure parental choice by offering a full range of child care services.

C. Permissive language such as "may or may be" when referring to actions taken by the department, address situations where it is not always prudent or practical to apply these actions. It is not meant to reduce the weight of these actions nor should the intent of the policies be circumvented due to this wording. This language is intended to be construed in a fiscally responsible and equitable manner, keeping in mind that consistency in application is the ultimate goal.