New Mexico is set to make history this fall as the first state in the nation to guarantee free universal child care for all families.

According to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the initiative will launch on November 1. A statement released Monday explained that the program will “make child care available to all New Mexicans, regardless of income, by removing income eligibility requirements from the state’s child care assistance program and continuing the waiver of family copayments.” 

The change fulfills a commitment made by the governor and lawmakers when the state established the Early Childhood Education and Care Department in 2019. While New Mexico had previously expanded free child care to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, the new plan will make the benefit universal.

Lujan Grisham said the policy is expected to ease a major financial burden for families. “Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity. By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Supporters say the program also has the potential to transform the workforce and economy. Michelle Kang, president and CEO of the National Association of the Education of Young Children,  praised the initiative: “Achieving universal child care will make a huge difference for the state’s children, families, businesses, and educators—and for all of us, by showing that it can be done.” 

To support the expansion, New Mexico is dedicating millions of dollars to building, renovating, and expanding child care facilities. Officials estimate an additional 5,000 early childhood educators will be needed to operate a fully universal system.