Excerpted from When a State Leads Boldly by Stephanie Brueck-Cassoli, courtesy Ascend at the Aspen Institute.
This fall, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that New Mexico would become the first state to provide no-cost universal childcare. And yes, truly universal and no-cost for all New Mexicans, along with a recommended wage floor of $18/hour for childcare providers. The early childhood education sector nationwide still faces real challenges; the cost of childcare has risen to prohibitive levels for families and wages are not rising to match the demand on the sector. But when no-cost universal childcare officially starts on November 1, 2025, it will bring hope and momentum for children and families in New Mexico and across the country.
How did New Mexico get to this milestone and what does this mean for families in New Mexico?
“Someone needed to go first. It raises the bar for everyone. We’ve been working toward this nationally, but while we wait for that, look what has blossomed here in New Mexico. This movement will inspire others to follow.”
Nani Oesterle, Program Office, Early Childhood Development – U.S. Initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
The road to no-cost universal childcare in New Mexico started 15 years ago with efforts to establish a new cabinet-level state agency that combined all early childhood services across three departments into one. In 2019, New Mexico created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) under the leadership of Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. The decisions that were made to create this department and the legislative actions that have been taken since have been deliberately focused on bringing New Mexico from 50th in the nation on child well-being to first.
One of the most remarkable aspects of New Mexico’s journey is how a diverse network of partners, advocates, funders, tribal leaders, educators, and policymakers found ways to move forward with a shared purpose. In a field where priorities often compete, New Mexico’s leaders cultivated a rare ability to “speak with one voice.”
New Mexico’s story reminds us that when state leaders, philanthropy, and communities align behind a shared vision, real transformation is possible — and sustainable. The movement for universal, high-quality, and affordable childcare is not limited to one state; it’s a national imperative. As other states consider how to build systems that work for whole families, New Mexico’s experience calls us to act boldly, invest deeply, and believe that every child and caregiver deserves the same chance to thrive.
Click here to read the full article at the Ascend at the Aspen Institute website.