Hometown News

“Initiatives like this are why New Mexico leads the nation in early childhood. This expansion is delivering on what we’ve worked hard to build together,” said Angela Garcia, president of Full Circle, an advocacy group focused on early childhood education and childhood wellbeing in southern New Mexico. “Universal access and improved funding reflect what my families and workforce want and deserve. As universal childcare expands, I’m hopeful ECECD will continue to prioritize quality and invest in the educators who make it all possible.”

Proposed rule changes

The proposed amendments to 8.9.3 NMAC, 8.9.4 NMAC, and 8.9.5 NMAC refine the policies needed to implement universal childcare across New Mexico. Key changes include removing family income limits for childcare assistance eligibility, continuing the waiver of family co-payments, and introducing presumptive eligibility so families can begin receiving care while completing paperwork.

“Many New Mexico families struggle to make ends meet. Recent data show that 29% of households earn too much to qualify for most public assistance, but can’t afford their basic needs,” said ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky. “Childcare costs are a major driver of financial instability, especially for families with young children—we know these families need our support now.”

The proposed rule also increases all provider reimbursement rates by at least 5% and introduces an optional enhanced rate for those who commit to a wage floor for entry-level staff and operate extended hours—at least 10 hours per day, five days per week.

Public commenters expressed a variety of views, including some concerns from providers regarding the financial viability of the proposed enhanced rate option for their programs.  

“As an early childhood education leader, I’ve seen how quality care transforms communities,” said Crystal Tapia-Romero, Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council member. “Universal childcare gives New Mexico a competitive edge—strengthening our workforce, attracting families, and fueling economic growth. It’s an investment that builds opportunity today and a stronger New Mexico tomorrow.”  

Advancing universal childcare

The proposed rule changes are a key step in fulfilling the promise made by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature when they created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department in 2019. Since then, New Mexico has expanded access to no-cost childcare to families with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, reducing financial strain on tens of thousands of families.  

Since the department’s inception in 2020:  

• Average reimbursement rates for childcare assistance have increased by 61%, with even greater gains for higher levels of care quality and for infants and toddlers.  
• The state’s supply of licensed childcare slots have increased by more than 21%.
• The number of licensed childcare providers operating in New Mexico have increased by 12.5%.
• The size of New Mexico’s childcare workforce has increased by 64%, while the national childcare workforce shrank during the same period.
• Median childcare wages in New Mexico have increased by 65%, a higher rate than any other state.  

Next steps

The department will review all public comments before finalizing and adopting the rules in the coming weeks. All public comments and a recording of the hearing will be available on the New Mexico Sunshine portal by Nov. 1.

Find more information about universal childcare at nmececd.org/universal.