New Mexico Launches Nation’s First Universal Free Child Care Program
New Mexico has made history as the first state in the nation to guarantee free child care for every family — regardless of income. According to Action 10 News , the initiative, which took effect Nov. 1, is expected to…
New Mexico has made history as the first state in the nation to guarantee Free child care for every family — regardless of income.
According to Action 10 News, the initiative, which took effect Nov. 1, is expected to save families around $12,000 per child each year, according to state officials.
“Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity,” said Gov. Michelle 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.”
The change comes as New Mexico continues to rank near the bottom nationally in child well-being. The 2025 Kids Count report found that 60% of children ages 3 and 4 are not enrolled in school, a gap the new program aims to close.