News
New Mexico seeks public input on proposed child care rule changes
1+ hour, 42+ min ago (157+ words) State officials are proposing updates to child care assistance and licensing regulations. Families, providers, and community members can weigh in. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) moved forward with proposed changes to rules that guide child…...
Legislative committee raises sustainability concerns about New Mexico's universal child care system
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (245+ words) New Mexico has become the first state to offer free child care to all residents, but the program's funding and sustainability have raised concerns among child care providers and experts. Natalie Aragon and her husband Zachary, who run Little Corral…...
Wallet Hub: New Mexico ranks worst state to raise a family in 2026
4+ mon, 4+ week ago (269+ words) A new study by Wallet Hub has ranked New Mexico as the worst state in the nation for raising a family, scoring just 32. 69 points out of 100. "Being 50th really is a call to action, not resignation," UNM economist Reilly White told…...
'No disruption' to New Mexico universal child care amid government shutdown
7+ mon, 2+ week ago (361+ words) "Parents have told us, 'I'm going to be able to take a vacation, or I'm going to be able to not worry about Christmas this year. That's priceless," Albuquerque Child Care Ops. Dir. Natalie Aragon said Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, marks the…...
Universal child care expected to boost New Mexico economy, grow workforce
9+ mon, 1+ day ago (310+ words) "This is a boon to the economy because it is the larger the workforce, the more productive workers we have, the better our economy does," said Chris Erickson, an economics professor. New Mexico's economy could see a boost after the…...
New Mexico hosting virtual town halls on universal child care rollout
8+ mon, 3+ week ago (226+ words) The Early Childhood Education and Care Department invites providers to two virtual sessions ahead of the November launch The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) is inviting child care providers to join two virtual town halls to…...
Governor announces free child care for New Mexican families
9+ mon, 1+ day ago (201+ words) New Mexico's governor announced that starting Nov. 1, child care will be free for every family in the state, regardless of their income, making New Mexico the first in the nation to offer universal access to free child care. Many parents…...
New Mexico to offer free universal child care
9+ mon, 1+ day ago (128+ words) New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced that the state will be the first in the nation to guarantee free child care for all beginning in November. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced that the state will…...