ECECD News:

SANTA FE ∞ New Mexico is seeking $1.2 billion to strengthen and expand its early childhood system, including universal childcare and universal preschool for 3-year-olds. 

The Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) presented its fiscal year 2027 budget request to the Legislative Finance Committee, proposing a $196.2 million increase to expand access, improve quality and build lasting infrastructure for New Mexico’s youngest children and their families. 

Of the $1.2 billion total, $662 million supports childcare assistance, $278.6 million funds New Mexico PreK and $34.7 million goes to early intervention services. In total, about 92 percent of this request goes directly to program support and provider reimbursements. 

The request is designed to maintain and grow New Mexico’s progress as a national leader in early childhood investments and innovation, while addressing the structural mismatch between what quality services cost and what families can afford to pay. 

“Real solutions take time, coordination, and the courage to make investments for future generations,” ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky said. “ECECD’s budget request is about locking in and building upon historic gains — delivering stable, high-quality early learning opportunities in every corner of New Mexico, and showing that when we stay focused on children, families, and the workforce, process and partnership can deliver lasting results.” 

Universal Child Care delivers early results

Universal Child Care, which launched Nov. 1, has already expanded access across income levels: 

• 7,036 children in 6,206 families were newly approved for child care assistance. 
• One-third of newly enrolled families were already income-eligible, showing the expansion is reaching lower- and middle-income families alike. 
• 39 percent of children served are infants and toddlers, up from 29 percent before the expansion. 
• 75 percent of infants and toddlers are enrolled with 4- or 5-star providers, signaling strong access to higher-quality care. 

Where the new money goes

Of the $196.2 million increase, more than $186 million flows directly to service for families. 

• Universal Child Care — $160.6 million: Maintains universal access, grows capacity to serve 12,000 more children and aligns provider reimbursement rates with the true cost of quality care, including an $18-per-hour wage floor for educators. 
• New Mexico PreK — $15 million: Expands preschool in both school- and community-based settings, making it universal for 3-year-olds. 
• Home Visiting — $8 million: Extends family support services now reaching every county in New Mexico. 
• Early Intervention — $3 million: Strengthens services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. New Mexico was recently named the top state for identifying developmental delays in children aged birth to 12 months. 

The remaining $9.6 million supports data systems, technical assistance and capacity building. 

The proposed budget also includes $40.4 million in special appropriations: $20 million for a childcare revolving loan fund to expand facilities, $10 million to implement wage scales for educators, $6 million for childcare and PreK quality improvements, $3 million for early intervention professional development, $1.4 million for local coalitions and a Tribal early childhood summit.