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.
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). Click here to see current rates.
- 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
- 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: Contact the Background Check Unit
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. Complete the background check application form(s) in the packet. Once fingerprints are completed, submit verification along with your background check packet to the Background Check Unit.
- Secure upload: https://files.ececd.nm.gov/filedrop/ECECDBCU
- Mail: ECECD Background Check Unit, PO Drawer 5619, Santa Fe, NM 87502
- Hand Delivery: ECECD Background Check Unit, 1120 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe NM 87501
Step 2: Complete Required Application Documents.
Final Step: Submit your Application and Supporting Documents
Once you have filled out your Registered Home Application, Provider Participation Agreement and W-9, submit your complete packet:
- Upload your application to: https://files.ececd.nm.gov/filedrop/ECECD-CCSB
- Mail your application to ECECD Child Care Services Bureau – Licensing Unit, PO Drawer 5619 Santa Fe, NM 87502-5619
- Hand deliver your application to the closest Child Care office that serves the county where the Registered Home is located as listed on page 23 of the application packet.
Once your application and supporting documents are received, a Child Care Specialist will contact you to schedule a visit within 14 calendar days.
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
