The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to solicit responses from currently licensed child care providers, with at least a 3-star FOCUS rating, and Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes who are willing to participate in the FOCUS rating program and interested in providing contracted slot services in the State of New Mexico. The contracted slots pilot program will prioritize providers serving infants and toddlers with developmental delays, families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and those residing in underserved geographic areas. 1. Deliverables / Program and Contracted Provider Responsibilities: Contracted Providers shall adhere to the following requirements in the administration of child care in the awarded classrooms: A. State and Federal Laws. Contracted providers must follow all state and federal laws in the operation of their child care. B. Child Care Licensing Regulations. Contracted providers must comply with all applicable child care licensing regulations, and remain in good standing C. Enrollment Levels. Contracted providers must commit to achieving and maintaining at least 90% enrollment levels as documented in EPICS within two months of contract execution throughout the entire contract period D. FOCUS Rating. The provider currently has a 3-Star FOCUS rating or higher and shall achieve a 5-STAR "FOCUS" rating across all FOCUS criteria within 18 months of the execution of this agreement. If any provisions of FOCUS are in conflict with the specified requirements of this agreement, the requirements of this agreement shall apply. E. Staff to Child Ratios. For the purpose of the contract slots pilot, ECECD will require the following staff to child ratio and group size be maintained in the awarded classrooms as follows during all hours of operation, including in vehicles during transportation.
