Registered Home Providers
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) supports individuals interested in becoming Registered Home Providers. The information below outlines requirements, benefits, available supports, and the steps needed to complete the registration process.
About Registered Home Providers
Registered home providers can offer care for up to four nonresidential children in their own home. The provider must live in the home where care is being provided, and children must be between six weeks and 12 years of age. The provider will only be paid for the children who do not live in the home.
Registered Home Options for State Funding
There are different types of registered homes. Providers can choose what type of registered home is best for them:
- Food and Subsidy: Provider gets paid for both child care and food program services. The state helps pay for taking care of the child(ren) and the food they are given.
- Subsidy Only: Provider gets paid only for child care services, not food costs. The state pays for the care of the child(ren), but not for the food provided.
- Food Only: Provider gets paid only for food costs. The state pays the provider back for the food given to the child(ren), but not for child care services.
- Exempt: Provider is only caring for children that live in their home (your own grandchildren, nieces/nephews, etc.).
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a Registered Home Provider, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Successfully complete a background check (required for all adults living in the home).
- Complete all required training, including in-person CPR and First Aid.
- Maintain a safe, developmentally appropriate home environment.
- Comply with state and local regulations governing registered home care.
Benefits of Becoming a Registered Home Provider
- Competitive monthly reimbursement rates: Providers may receive $175–$750 per child, depending on the child’s age and care type (full-time, part-time, or wrap-around).
- Reliable payment: Compensation is given directly to the provider by ECECD.
- Flexible work environment: Providers work from their own homes and set their own schedules.
- Entrepreneurial opportunity: Providers operate their own small business with autonomy and flexibility.
- Optional meal reimbursement: Providers may enroll in Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to receive reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks.
- Professional development: Free training and scholarship opportunities are available to support providers ongoing learning.
Support for Registered Home Providers
ECECD offers a range of supports at no cost, including:
- No registration fees! ECECD is no longer charging fees to become registered
- Free background checks: Comprehensive Background Check Process
- Free required training: Business Services and Professional Development
- Child care assistance rates
- Access to mentorship, coaching, and peer supports: Early Childhood Mentor Network
- Free child care business management software through Elevate New Mexico Child Care
- Escalones Rewards Program: Cash incentives ranging from $25 to $1,000 for milestones such as CPR certification or earning a Child Development Certificate
Steps to Become Registered
Step 1: Identify Provider Roles
- Primary Provider: Person responsible for providing care.
- Secondary Provider: An additional person who can support with providing care.
- Household Members / Significant Time Adults: Anyone 18 years or older living in the home or spending significant time there.
Step 2: Complete the free Comprehensive Background Check
All adults in the home will have to pass a comprehensive background check. Please email the background check unit to obtain a fingerprint coupon code. Once fingerprints are completed, submit verification along with your background check packet to the Background Check Unit.
Email: ececd.bcu@ececd.nm.gov
Mail: ECECD Background Check Unit
PO Drawer 5619
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Step 3: Complete Required Application Documents through Wonderschool portal or PDF application
Once all background clearance letters are received, submit:
- Provider Application (2 pages) (Spanish Version)
- Provider Participation Agreement (PPA) (2 pages)
- Adult Written Statement (if necessary)
- Background clearance letter(s)
- Driver’s license
- Proof of residency
- Social Security Card or ITIN
- W-9 and direct deposit form (or voided check)
- In-person CPR and First Aid Certificate (online-only courses are not accepted unless an in-person component is included)
Final Step: Submit Through Wonderschool portal or by emailing/drop off
Documents may be submitted by email to ececd-ecs-customerservice@ececd.nm.gov or in person at one of ECECD’s field offices. Visit our contact page for office locations across the state.
Last Step: Begin Your Application
English Application (PDF)
Spanish (PDF)
Need Assistance?
For help with your application or to connect with local support resources:
- Call: 1-800-832-1321
- Email: ececd-ecs-customersevice@ececd.nm.gov
- ECECD Field Offices: Contact your local office
- Local Early Childhood Coalitions: Access community-level support
- Growing Up New Mexico: Family and provider resources available
- Assistance for Spanish Speaking Providers: Educadores para los Niños del Furo
