New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Faces Challenges

A year has passed since New Mexico initiated its universal child care program. Demand for slots is growing faster than the available spaces, and costs are rising.

In Santa Fe, children receive care at the First Presbyterian Child Development Center. Despite the program, finding available child care remains difficult for some families. For instance, Dakota Rivera, a mother of two, was thrilled by the announcement from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham last September. The governor expanded assistance to all families interested in day care.

However, Rivera still struggles to secure a spot for her children.