SANTA FE — New Mexico has become the first state in the nation to guarantee no‑cost universal child care after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed two major early‑childhood bills into law this week. The legislation cements New Mexico’s position as a national outlier in early childhood education policy, building on years of statewide investment.
The new law ensures that families across New Mexico can access child care regardless of income. It formalizes a program first launched in November 2025, which has already enrolled more than 12,600 families and over 16,700 children. State officials say roughly 30,000 families and 44,000 children are on track to receive free child care this year.
Governor Lujan Grisham signed the legislation during an event at Santa Fe’s Garcia Street Club School — the oldest preschool in northern New Mexico and one of the oldest in the state, serving families since 1945. She was joined by lawmakers, families, and early childhood educators.
A second bill signed Tuesday removes zoning and homeowners association restrictions that previously limited where child care centers and home‑based providers could operate. Supporters say the change clears the way for more providers statewide, addressing ongoing shortages in many communities.
The universal child care measure also puts in place long‑term financial safeguards and a framework for continued funding. Lawmakers are authorized to allocate up to $700 million between 2026 and 2031 from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund, as long as the fund remains above $10 billion. The FY 2027 budget includes a $160 million increase for child care assistance, raising the total child care budget to $606 million, plus an additional $30 million over three years to support the early childhood workforce.
State officials say wages for child care workers have risen significantly over the last several years, contributing to a 64% increase in the number of early childhood professionals working in New Mexico.
With the signing of the two bills, New Mexico becomes the only state in the country to offer both universal, no‑cost child care and tuition‑free college.
