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.
“New Mexico is creating the conditions for better outcomes in health, learning, and well-being,” said Neal Halfon, professor of pediatrics, public health, and public policy at UCLA.
Alongside free child care, the state is also expanding access by recruiting more licensed home providers and offering financial support to strengthen the system. A $12.7 million low-interest loan fund has been established to help build, expand, and renovate child care facilities across the state.
Officials say the combined efforts are part of a long-term plan to improve educational access, strengthen families, and boost New Mexico’s workforce participation.