New Mexico To Become First State To Offer Universal Child Care

New Mexico will become the first state in the United States to provide free universal child care, starting November 1. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced this historic initiative on Monday (September 8), marking a significant expansion of the state's existing child care assistance program. The new plan will remove income eligibility requirements and continue waiving family copayments, making child care accessible to all New Mexicans.

Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of child care, stating, "Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity." This initiative is expected to save families an average of $12,000 per child annually and is part of a broader effort to support the state's economy and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Since the creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department in 2019, New Mexico has worked to expand access to no-cost child care for families with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. The new universal child care program will extend these benefits to every family in the state, regardless of income.

Neal Halfon from the University of California, Los Angeles, praised New Mexico's approach, noting that it is "rooted in data, driven by communities, and becoming a model for the nation." Michelle Kang, president of the National Association of the Education of Young Children, also commended the state for prioritizing investments in early childhood educators, families, and children.

To support the universal child care system, New Mexico plans to build its supply of infant and toddler care statewide. Programs that pay entry-level staff a minimum of $18 per hour and offer extended care hours will receive incentive rates. The state estimates that an additional 5,000 early childhood professionals are needed to fully implement the system.

Secretary of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Elizabeth Groginsky, stated, "By providing universal access and improving pay for our early childhood workforce, we are easing financial pressure on families, strengthening our economy, and helping every child learn in safe, nurturing environments."