A pivotal policy has been passed in New Mexico that will change the lives of struggling families for the better. This revolutionary undertaking will make child care accessible to New Mexicans regardless of financial status. Starting November 1, New Mexico became the first state to guarantee no-cost universal child care.
This initiative was announced on Monday, September 8, by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department in Santa Fe. The announcement reflects a continued commitment to strengthening early childhood opportunities throughout New Mexico. Additionally, there is a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund to construct, expand, and renovate child care facilities, along with an additional $20 million requested by the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. It will target growth to focus care on toddlers, infants, low-income families, and kids with special needs.
This policy will greatly affect parents in the Academy community, as well. Orchestra teacher Ms. Hurtado ‘07 shared her thoughts about this new universal child care as a new mother. Before this new policy, she was already a big supporter of the state’s childcare support programs, expressing that she “had joined the ECECD Childcare Assistance program in July to prepare to come back to school and, while the bureaucracy was difficult to navigate, it was entirely worth it.” Her child, Penny, benefits from this policy by being able to attend a daycare that fully supports her needs.
Ms. Hurtado also expressed her love for New Mexico, and she mentioned the positive outcomes that are, no doubt, going to benefit all parents living in our state. She also said, “I’m a huge supporter of the universal childcare movement, and it has enabled me to continue to work here at the Academy.”
This program not only helps ease financial stress but also gives parents the freedom to focus on their goals. Ms. Hurtado hopes that with continued support, other states will follow New Mexico’s example and bring positive change to families across the country.
