§ 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.