Universal Free Child Care in New Mexico: What Parents Need to Know

On November 1, 2025, New Mexico became the first state in the country to guarantee free child care to all families, regardless of income.

This article explains what the program does, who qualifies, what's covered, and how families can apply.

What New Mexico's Universal Child Care Program Does

New Mexico's Universal Child Care program pays the full approved cost of child care for families who qualify through the state's Child Care Assistance system.

Families no longer owe copays, registration fees, or other add-on charges when they use participating licensed or registered child care providers.

New Mexico's universal free child care program is funded mainly by the Early Childhood Trust Fund, which the state created with revenues from oil and gas. The state estimates that the program will save the average family around $12,000 per child.

Who Qualifies For Free Child Care

To qualify for free child care, a family must:

• live in New Mexico
• have a child who needs care, and
• have adults in the household who are working or attending school, with certain exceptions (discussed below).

Under the universal model, income is not considered when determining eligibility. Note also that a parent or child's immigration status doesn't affect eligibility.

Special Circumstances

Some families will qualify for free child care even if they're not working or in school, including:

• grandparents raising grandchildren
• families caring for babies born substance exposed
• families experiencing housing instability, and
• families involved with the state's child welfare system.

Ages Covered

Most children from birth through age 13 (older for children with special needs) can receive free care as long as their provider participates in Child Care Assistance.

The program includes infant and toddler care, preschool programs, and before and after school care as well as summer child care.

What The State Pays For

Families approved for assistance shouldn't pay anything for basic care at participating programs. Providers who accept Child Care Assistance can't charge copays, supply fees, activity fees, or other add-ons.

If a provider charges extra, families can report it to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD).

Types of Providers Included

Families can receive free care at:

• licensed child care centers
• licensed family child care homes
• registered home based providers, and
• licensed school age and summer programs.

Note that private nannies or unlicensed babysitters aren't eligible for state payments.

How To Apply For Free Child Care in New Mexico

Families can apply online through the ECECD "Apply for Services" page or get in person help from a regional office or community eligibility event.

Once approved, benefits begin on the day the child starts care with a participating provider.

If a family was denied in the past due to income, they can reapply.

Documents Needed to Apply

As part of your application, you'll usually need to provide a number of documents, including:

• proof of employment or school attendance for adults in the home
• birth verification for each child
• proof of New Mexico residency
• a photo ID, and
• contact information for the chosen child care provider.

Parents can search for a qualifying child care program using the New Mexico Child Care Finder or call the state's Resource and Referral line at 1-800-691-9067.

If You Need Additional Help

Families or caregivers who need help applying or understanding their rights can visit the state's main Universal Child Care website.

If you believe you were wrongly denied or a provider is charging prohibited fees, it may help to speak with a New Mexico attorney or a local legal aid organization.

FAQs About Universal Child Care in New Mexico

How is "universal" child care different from past programs?

Universal child care removes income limits so that all families can qualify. It also eliminates copays and extra fees at participating providers, making care fully free for families statewide.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify?

A parent's or child's immigration status doesn't affect eligibility.

What ages of children are covered?

The program covers infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children who need before school, after school, or summer care. Most children through about age 13 can be served (older for kids with special needs).

Can I use a private nanny and have the state pay for care?

No. The state pays only licensed or registered providers that participate in Child Care Assistance. Private nannies or unlicensed babysitters aren't eligible.

What if there are no open child care slots in my area?

Some parts of New Mexico have limited licensed capacity. Families may need to widen their search, but the state has vowed to invest in expanding the provider network.

Will I owe taxes on the value of my free child care?

State paid child care benefits generally aren't considered taxable income because the state pays providers directly.

What happens if my work schedule changes?

Families should report major changes to ECECD, but the provision of care is no longer tied strictly to a parent's work or school schedule. You generally keep assistance during transitions.

Can providers refuse to accept families who use child care assistance?

Yes. Providers choose whether to participate in Child Care Assistance and how many subsidized slots to offer. Families using a non-participating provider must pay private tuition.