From Staff Reports

Las Cruces Sun-News

SANTA FE — Two state departments that oversee child care in New Mexico have made temporary policy changes due to the coronavirus public health emergency.

The Children, Youth, and Families Department and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced the changes in a news release issued Sunday.

“We recognize that New Mexicans face a range of circumstances and challenges. If you have the flexibility to stay home with your child, we encourage you to do so. If you need child care, we are doing everything in our power to ensure that you have access to healthy and safe care,” said Early Childhood Education and Care Department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky.

MORE:Las Cruces-area events, organizations affected | Interactive coronavirus map

Temporary changes

Expanding child care for first responders and health providers: During the public health emergency, CYFD will issue full-time child care assistance contracts to first responders and health providers who need child care. Call 1-833-551-0518 to connect with the state’s child care Resource and Referral line or go to www.cyfd.org to download a child care assistance application.

During the public health emergency, CYFD will issue full-time child care assistance contracts to first responders and health providers who need child care. Call 1-833-551-0518 to connect with the state’s child care Resource and Referral line or go to www.cyfd.org to download a child care assistance application. Enabling family, friends, and neighbors (FFN) to deliver paid child care services: During the emergency health declaration, the state will temporarily register family, friend and neighbor providers who may be eligible to receive child care assistance funding; interested parties can call 1-833-551-0518. Temporary FFN providers will be required to complete a background check, as will all family members over the age of 18 living in their home. Temporary FFN providers will also be required to complete a three-hour online health and safety training and an online CPR training.

During the emergency health declaration, the state will temporarily register family, friend and neighbor providers who may be eligible to receive child care assistance funding; interested parties can call 1-833-551-0518. Temporary FFN providers will be required to complete a background check, as will all family members over the age of 18 living in their home. Temporary FFN providers will also be required to complete a three-hour online health and safety training and an online CPR training. Expanding child care access for families: The state has a child care Resource and Referral line to help families find child care (1-800-691-9067; www.NewMexicoKids.org). Families can also contact their CYFD eligibility specialist via phone or email to let them know they now need full-time care. In addition, all parents receiving child care assistance will have their copays waived during the public health emergency.

The state has a child care Resource and Referral line to help families find child care (1-800-691-9067; www.NewMexicoKids.org). Families can also contact their CYFD eligibility specialist via phone or email to let them know they now need full-time care. In addition, all parents receiving child care assistance will have their copays waived during the public health emergency. Protecting CYFD assistance benefits for families: Families who choose to keep their children home during the emergency will not lose their CYFD benefits. If a child care center closes and families need services, they may transfer their child care benefits to an alternative CYFD-approved provider — and the state will continue paying subsidies to both providers.

Families who choose to keep their children home during the emergency will not lose their CYFD benefits. If a child care center closes and families need services, they may transfer their child care benefits to an alternative CYFD-approved provider — and the state will continue paying subsidies to both providers. Ensuring children have access to meals: The state applied for and received a waiver from the USDA which will allow school and non-school sites to provide meals (breakfast and lunch) to all children under age 18 needing food. Meals are provided “to-go” and must be consumed off-site, following guidelines for social distancing. New Mexicans with questions can call 1-833-551-0518 or email nutrition.program@state.nm.us.

MORE:Las Cruces Public Schools addresses student meals, worker pay during coronavirus break

The state also announced temporary policy changes affecting child care and pre-k providers, including paying licensed providers a premium, expediting background checks and coordinating food and cleaning supply deliveries.

For information on all changes, providers can call the child care Resource and Referral line at 1-800-691-9067 or e-mail questions or concerns to child.care@state.nm.us. Frequent updates will be provided on www.newmexico.gov.