We Have Details on the Benefits, the Process, and How to Get Started
Caring for children involves a lot of job skills. Wrangling three toddlers who all want the green truck (and only the green truck) requires creative problem solving, strong interpersonal skills, and excellent communication! And if you already have those skills, New Mexico needs you. Our communities need more quality child care providers, and you can build an important and
meaningful career by starting a child care business in your home. And right now is a great time to get started, because New Mexico has supports available to help you on your way. We’re here to talk you through the benefits of becoming licensed or registered as a home-based provider, and how to get started.
Licensed, Registered, or Group Home
First of all, what do these terms mean? New Mexico has three categories of home-based child care businesses:
Registered homes are the smallest and least formal. Registered homes can care for up to four children who don’t live in the home, or up to two children under age 2. Becoming registered requires a home inspection and a fingerprint background check (it’s free!).
Licensed home providers can care for up to six children or up to four children under age 2. Becoming licensed means additional quality requirements, and also increases the amount you are reimbursed for each child who receives a state subsidy (more on that next!)
Licensed group home providers can care for up to 12 children. This is a bigger step that will require having additional caregivers in the home to help you. For providers looking to expand their business, this can be a great way to grow without taking the larger step of opening a child care center.
New Mexico has recently expanded eligibility for child care assistance, so
most families can now have their child care paid for by the state. As a home-based provider, that means you may be able to get paid without collecting any money directly from families. Do you already regularly care for your grandchildren or children in your neighborhood? In many cases you can be reimbursed for that care! Talk to the families you care for about
signing up today.
Reimbursements for Healthy Food
Child care providers who become registered or licensed with the state can also receive reimbursement for healthy meals and snacks they serve through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Having growing kids in your home can mean a lot of grocery shopping, and CACFP can help you cover those costs, while providing nutritious and healthy meals to kids in your care.
Pay Supplements and Scholarships
Because early childhood education is important, skilled work, New Mexico is also offering programs to increase pay and support caregivers who are building new skills. For early childhood educators in all settings (including homes), the state is offering wage supplements to increase their pay. The supplement amount grows with more education and training, and there’s also a one-time bonus of $1,500 for early childhood educators who are certified bilingual. Helpful details on the wage supplements are available here. Want to grow your early childhood career (and supplement amount) through additional degrees and training? New Mexico offers scholarships for early childhood educators who are enrolled in school.
Does this all sound great? Becoming a home-based care provider requires several steps, including a fingerprint background check (it’s free) and a visit to your home to check on the safety of the environment. The details, forms, and step-by-step instructions for becoming registered are
here, and for becoming licensed are
here.
