New Mexico ECECD reminds parents of childcare help
New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department is reminding parents of state programs that can help with childcare costs, preschool and home-based guidance. Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said the department offers services designed to meet the diverse needs of New Mexico families.
“The Early Childhood Education and Care Department has a range of programs and services that are designed to meet the diverse needs of New Mexico families,” Groginsky said in a press release. The department, she said, “can help you find and pay for childcare – both for young children and for school-age children who need before- and after-care, access free New Mexico PreK, learn parenting skills with home visitors, and so much more.”
Three- and four-year-olds can attend free New Mexico PreK through community-based, school-based and some Head Start settings.
Families earning less than 400% of the federal poverty level, or $120,000 a year for a family of four, can apply for the department’s childcare assistance program to help pay tuition.
The department also provides a searchable online list of childcare providers across the state, searchable by location, cost, language and other factors. Some locations offer free meals and snacks.
A free home visiting program sends experts to families’ homes to provide guidance on childcare, safety, breastfeeding and other topics. The program has no income threshold.
The Family Infant Toddler program offers a free evaluation for parents concerned about their child’s development. Children found to have developmental issues may be eligible for free therapy and services.
Pregnant mothers and families with children up to age three can connect with registered nurses through the Families FIRST perinatal case management program for individualized care in their community.
