NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill amends a section of the NMSA 1978 by requiring an additional duty to CYFD when setting child care reimbursement rates.

Significant Issues

The bill provides that accreditation by a CYFD approved national accrediting organization qualifies a provider to receive the highest reimbursement rate for child care paid by CYFD.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

CYFD states that the administrative responsibilities associated with this bill would mean less time available to carry out other responsibilities.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

CYFD indicates that a pilot project exists to develop and to implement criteria and qualifications for child-care centers, licensed family child care providers and school age programs that use Child Development Board approved national accreditation as one of several qualifications available for higher reimbursement rates.

However, CYFD points out that there are different criteria within each of the accrediting organizations and there is not a single national accrediting entity that provides uniform criteria for accreditation.

BD/ar