In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Maggie Wright-Oviedo and her husband, JJ Oviedo, have found relief from the high costs of child care thanks to a state program that provides free child care for eligible families. Without this program, they estimate they would be spending at least half of their take-home pay on child care. The program is part of a broader initiative by Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to support families with young children.
This initiative has gained bipartisan popularity and is seen as a potential model for other states or even nationally. New Mexico’s program is funded by a portion of the state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund, which receives revenue from nonrenewable resources such as oil and gas reserves. This funding has allowed over 30,000 families to benefit from free child care in the state.
The program has not only alleviated financial burdens for families like the Oviedos but has also led to economic benefits for the state. The initiative has helped parents enter or remain in the workforce, pursue education, and save for the future. It has also improved the wages and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators, making the profession more attractive and sustainable.
The success of New Mexico’s child care subsidy program highlights the importance of investing in early childhood education and support services for families. Experts note that replicating this model in other states may be challenging due to funding constraints, but there is growing recognition of the need to address the high costs of child care for American families.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcnews.com