New Mexico

Staff-child ratios

Requirements

Annual training

Each staff person working directly with children more than 20 hours per week, including the director, must obtain at least 24 hours of training each year, covering all 7 competency areas within 2 years; staff working 20 hours or fewer complete half. First aid/CPR training must include a hands-on component.

Lead teacher

Educators counted in ratios must be at least 18, hold background-check clearance, and complete the ECECD-required health and safety trainings within 3 months of hire plus an approved child development course (or 3-credit early care and education course) within 12 months. No degree is required at entry level.

Director

Directors must be at least 21 and either hold a qualifying early childhood program administration credential or coursework (e.g., Program Management 1, the NM Child Development Certificate, a CDA, or an associate degree in ECE) plus 2 years of experience in an early childhood setting, or a bachelor's degree or higher in ECE or a related field plus 1 year of experience.

Worth knowing

Infant/toddler group-size caps were tightened in the 2022 rules; providers that exceeded them before promulgation are grandfathered as long as ratios are maintained. 5-year-olds and 6+ are both 1:15 with max group 30; combined-age groups have their own table.