New Mexico will become the first state in the United States to provide universal, no-cost child care for all residents starting November 1. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced the new policy on Monday.
The program eliminates income eligibility requirements from the state’s child care assistance program and continues waiving family copayments. The move is expected to result in average annual savings of $12,000 per child for families across New Mexico.
“Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity,” said Lujan Grisham. “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.”
This initiative fulfills a commitment made when the Early Childhood Education and Care Department was established in 2019. Previously, access to no-cost child care was limited to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level.
Neal Halfon, professor at UCLA and director of the Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities, commented on New Mexico’s approach: “New Mexico is creating the conditions for better outcomes in health, learning, and well-being. Its approach is rooted in data, driven by communities, and becoming a model for the nation."
Michelle Kang, president and CEO of the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), added: “By prioritizing public investments in early childhood educators, families, and children, New Mexico continues to lead the way in building a sustainable, affordable, and quality child care and early learning system that helps its communities and economy thrive. Achieving universal child care will make a huge difference for the state’s children, families, businesses, and educators—and for all of us, by showing that it can be done.”
The expansion also includes measures aimed at increasing availability of infant and toddler care throughout New Mexico. The state will establish a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund to support construction or renovation of facilities with an additional $20 million requested for Fiscal Year 2027. Growth efforts will focus on infants, toddlers, low-income families, and children with special needs. Partnerships with employers and school districts are planned to broaden options for working parents.
A statewide campaign will seek more licensed home providers as part of efforts to address workforce needs; officials estimate an additional 5,000 early childhood professionals are required.
Provider reimbursement rates will increase to reflect actual costs. Programs paying entry-level staff at least $18 per hour while offering extended hours—10 hours per day over five days—will receive incentive rates.
“Early childhood care and education is a public good,” said ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “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. This is the kind of investment that builds equity today and prosperity for the future.”
Families who have received assistance report greater financial stability along with increased flexibility when choosing higher-quality care settings.
More information about accessing universal child care benefits can be found at ECECD Universal Child Care Resources Page.
