Universal child care is now free in New Mexico: Could your state be next?
Come November, any parent in the State of New Mexico can take advantage of free child care regardless of their income. Here’s a look.
Raising a child can be an expensive proposition that leaves parents struggling to make ends meet. One of the biggest costs is child care, which is fundamental for working parents.
However, for many Americans finding “affordable” child care is near impossible. On average they are shelling out almost $14,800 per year.
But there is good news for parents in New Mexico. Starting in November parents in the state will be able to access free universal child care.
New Mexico becomes first state to offer no-cost universal child care
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced earlier this month that New Mexico would become the first state in the nation to offer no-cost universal child care to all parents regardless of income starting 1 November 2025.
New Mexico has been expanding its child care program since the creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department in 2019. Currently, households with income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level could access the program.
A press release from the governor’s office says that this will save New Mexican families $12,000 per child on average.
“Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity. By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive,” said Lujan Grisham.
How does New Mexico’s universal child care program work?
New Mexico’s universal child care includes child care centers, home-based providers, before- and after-school programs, and summer programs which are all licensed or registered by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department.
In order to take advantage of the no-cost universal child care program in New Mexico, parents that reside in the state need to apply for the assistance, providing the necessary documentation and the state approved child care provider of your choosing. There are over 1,000 programs to pick from statewide.
The assistance funds go directly to the program provider said New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky.
Her agency warns that “not every family will immediately be able to find a child care provider with room to accept a new child.”
“Building a universal child care system takes time,” the Early Childhood Education and Care Department explains. However, “New Mexico has already made major progress.”
The state says that it is establishing a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund to construct, expand, and renovate child care facilities, and has requested in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget an additional $20 million.
Other states are looking to make child care universal?
According to USA TODAY the following states and communities are working to roll out or expand programs to reduce the cost of child care or even make it free:
- Connecticut: The state plans to have universal preschool by 2032 after establishing an Early Childhood Education Endowment in June.
- Multnomah County, Oregon: This school year, 3,800 can take advantage of a marginal income tax-funded universal preschool program set up by the county. Communications coordinator Ryan Yambra says Multnomah County should have universal preschool for all county residents by 2030.
- Vermont: A 2023 law provides expanded child care access through financial assistance to families. Additionally, it sets standard minimum pay for child care workers.
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