PAYMENTS FOR CHILD CARE OR PRE-K

HB 304 would provide monthly cash payments to New Mexico parents whose children are not enrolled in state-funded child care or pre-K programs. Parents would receive $2,500 monthly for infants (0-24 months), $1,975 for toddlers (24-36 months), and $1,375 for preschoolers (3-5 years), based on submitted documentation verifying the child's age, parent-child relationship, residency, and non-enrollment in state programs. The Early Childhood Education and Care Department must process applications within 60 days and issue payments upon approval, with fraud prevention measures for false documentation. This direct financial support targets families with young children not accessing existing state early education services.