Growing Up NM is working with ECECD to implement Universal Child Care.

As a home-based or center educator, you are a key part of making this possible.

Our team is here to support you with:

  • Questions about the recent ECECD updates
  • Guidance on growing or expanding your home-based child care business

Stay tuned for updates, and please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. We’re here to help!

Contact Us for Support at 505-819-0136 or escalones@growingupnm.org.

Visit Escalones Rewards for more information!

Past Events:

If you are unable to attend live, recordings of the town halls will be uploaded to nmececd.org/universal.

Universal Child Care 101 for Early Childhood Professionals
Who Should Attend: New Mexico early childhood professionals—including teachers, administrators, and home-based educators—are invited to a virtual information session hosted by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) to learn about Universal Child Care updates, new reimbursement rates, and supports available through ECECD.

  • Thursday, November 6 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, November 6 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
  • Friday, November 7 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 
  • Friday, November 7 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, November 8 | 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. 

The ECECD invites you to a Notice of Rulemaking and Public Rule Hearing to learn more about the rollout of Universal Child Care, beginning November 1, 2025.

  • Thursday, October 9 | 9:00–11:30 a.m. 

Join on Zoom:https://nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/87500723914
Spanish interpretation will be available.

The ECECD invites you to a virtual Provider Town Hall to learn more about the rollout of Universal Child Care, beginning November 1, 2025.

  • Friday, September 19 | 5:30–6:45 p.m. 
  • Saturday, September 20 | 10:00–11:15 a.m.

Join on Zoom: nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/83917663588
Spanish interpretation will be provided at both sessions.

Key Updates

  • New Mexico will become the first state in the nation to offer no-cost universal child care starting November 1st, saving families an average of $12,000 per child per year.

  • Families involved with CYFD or CARA, or those experiencing housing instability, and grandparents raising grandchildren will be eligible even if they are not working or in school.

  • New Mexico is investing in fair pay, better data, and stronger support so child care educators can keep doing their important work.

  • More money will be invested to build and grow child care centers and homes.

  • Family, friend, and neighbor caregivers can become registered more easily with increased child care reimbursement rates.

  • This plan will create access for 12,000 more children in New Mexico.

For more  information from ECECD, visit: Universal Child Care | Early Childhood Education & Care Department