§ 410-r. Child care resource and referral programs. 1. The
commissioner shall solicit applications for available funds from
agencies pursuant to this title in a manner to ensure that agencies in
every area of the state will have an opportunity to apply for funds. The
commissioner shall designate areas to be served by child care resource
and referral services to ensure that services are accessible statewide
to the maximum extent feasible.

2. (a) In reviewing the applications, the commissioner shall consider
the ability of each applicant to provide the services delineated in
section four hundred ten-q of this title. Each agency shall demonstrate
that it has a viable plan to offer the required services to families in
the area without regard to income, and to attract local support for
additions to the required and enhanced services delineated in section
four hundred ten-q of this title.

(b) In connection with the review of an application for funds pursuant
to this title, the commissioner shall consider requests from agencies
for additional funding for the provision of enhanced services.

3. In accordance with the provisions of this title and subject to
funds appropriated specifically therefor, the commissioner is authorized
to award contracts for the operation of child care resource and referral
programs.