44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A RESEARCH-BASED STRATEGIC PLAN FOR EARLY CHILD-CARE, EDUCATION AND BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the demand for early child-care and education programs continued to increase in proportion to the dramatic influx of single and dual-income families into the work force; and

WHEREAS, the employment requirements of the state's welfare reform program pursuant to the New Mexico Works Act further increases the need for child care for children one year of age and older; and

WHEREAS, scientific evidence of brain development demonstrates that positive experience prior to age three is critical to a person's later success; and

WHEREAS, the demand for care far exceeds the supply of registered and licensed child-care providers; and

WHEREAS, quality child-care programs permit working families to perform better at work and to make a successful transition from welfare to employment; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico children and families need a system that promotes quality early child-care, education and before- and after-school programs statewide; and

WHEREAS, experience and research in New Mexico and other states demonstrate that a comprehensive and coordinated approach to early child care and education produces good results;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department create and lead a task force to develop a research-based strategic plan for early-child care, education and before- and after-school programs in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plan take into consideration the affordability and accessibility of child care, adequate reimbursement for providers and appropriate compensation for child-care staff; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that effective licensing and monitoring of child-care providers be included in the plan, as well as recommendations for a career-development ladder to ensure availability of qualified early child-care and education professionals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that part of the plan address the need for referral programs to direct families, including families and children with special needs, to appropriate child-care, education and before- and after-school programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include representation from the human services department; the department of health; the state department of public education; the child development board; the various New Mexico works contractors, parents, providers and early child-care and education professionals; and organizations and representatives of the business community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of children, youth and families appoint and convene the task force by May 1, 1999, report progress on the research-based strategic plan to the legislative health and human services committee by August 1, 1999 and present a report that includes legislative and funding recommendations to the same committee and to the legislative education study committee by November 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the secretary of children, youth and families and to the New Mexico legislative council.