The initiative provides free care to qualifying New Mexico residents, covering roughly half of the state's 67,000 children aged 5 and under. However, expanding access has proven difficult due to a widespread deficit of early childhood educators and open slots. To manage expenses after inflation exceeded 3%, officials recently instituted monthly copayments of up to $148.50 for households earning more than $198,000.
Key points
Severe shortages of early childhood educators and physical slots continue to restrict cap…: Severe shortages of early childhood educators and physical slots continue to restrict capacity and leave parents on long waitlists.
Cost-control triggers will require an estimated 10% of participating households to pay pa…: Cost-control triggers will require an estimated 10% of participating households to pay partial fees through the fiscal year's end.
National observers are studying the state's rollout to see how universal childcare handle…: National observers are studying the state's rollout to see how universal childcare handles infrastructure bottlenecks and inflation.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
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It's a hazy August morning, and Judyn Martinez is dropping her daughter off at Kids Campus, a sought-after childcare center in Santa Fe that is now free for any eligible family in New Mexico.
"It's an amazing school so far. She loves it. I love it," Martinez said. "Everyone's nice. She's learning, growing already."
A year ago this month, New Mexico became the first state to offer free childcare to every family, regardless of income. To qualify, families must be residents of New Mexico and adults in the house must be working, looking for work, in school or unable to work.
Many parents, including Martinez, told NPR that it's been life-changing.
"I'm really grateful for universal childcare because I wouldn't have been able to send her," Martinez said.
There's just one drawback for families: Right now, the state doesn't have the capacity to meet the demand, which has left some families waiting without childcare. Martinez said it took her about a year and half to get off the…
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