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The meeting, held in Hobbs, highlighted the urgent need to expand access to early childhood programs and sustain investment in the sector.
Source: Early Childhood Education and Care Department
Photo: Courtesy
HOBBS, N.M. – Last week, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council presented key findings from a statewide child care demand study and shared updates on federal policy changes.
The meeting, held in Hobbs, highlighted the urgent need to expand access to early childhood programs and sustain investment in the sector.
A new child care gap analysis presented at the meeting found a statewide shortfall of 13,942 child care slots in 2024, with the most significant gaps in Lea, Eddy, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Bernalillo counties.
The study found that parents frequently experienced long waiting lists, struggled to locate infant-toddler slots, and felt as though high-quality care options—even when available—were meant to serve families other than their own.
Providers reported transportation, infrastructure and facility needs as major obstacles to staffing and growing their child care capacity.
“Reliable child care is the backbone of thriving families and resilient communities. When families have access to affordable, high-quality child care, children thrive, parents can fully participate in the workforce, and communities grow stronger,” said ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “Bold investments have stabilized and strengthened our early childhood sector, yet continued investment in child care is essential for building a more equitable and prosperous future for our state.”
In addition to the study, Groginsky provided updates on federal early childhood policy and funding changes, as well as the agency’s preparation for fiscal year 2026.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1-4 p.m. in Roswell.
Find more information about the council, its activities and publications, including the latest annual report, on the Council webpage: Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council | Early Childhood Education & Care Department
The Advisory Council is composed of state and local education leaders, early childhood professionals, service providers, Tribal representatives, parent representatives and other individuals representing communities impacted by early care and education policies. The Council engages with a wide range of stakeholders to guide and build upon the state’s ongoing work to create a comprehensive, affordable and high-quality prenatal-to-5 system that meets the needs of New Mexico’s children and families. The Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council fulfills a federal requirement for states to establish a state advisory early childhood council.
