A. The children, youth and families department and the public education department shall cooperate in the development and implementation of a voluntary program for the provision of pre-kindergarten services throughout the state. The pre-kindergarten program shall address the total developmental needs of preschool children, including physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs, and shall include health care, nutrition, safety and multicultural sensitivity.

B. The departments shall collaborate on promulgating rules on pre-kindergarten services, including state policies and standards and shall review the process for contract awards and for the expenditure and use of contract funds.

C. The departments shall monitor pre-kindergarten contracts to ensure the effectiveness of child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices and outcomes. The departments shall assign staff to work on the development and implementation of the program and on the monitoring of contract awards. The early childhood training and technical assistance programs of the children, youth and families department and assigned staff from the public education department staff shall provide technical assistance to eligible providers.

D. The departments shall provide an annual report to the governor and the legislature on the progress of the state's voluntary pre-kindergarten program.

History: Laws 2005, ch. 170, § 4.

Effective dates. — Laws 2005, ch. 170 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 17, 2005, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature.