OPINION: Rankings are wrong, New Mexico excels at early childhood care

A recent article in the Albuquerque Journal cited the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “Kids Count” report, placing New Mexico last in the country for overall child well-being. But while some metrics deserve reflection, the report completely overlooks one of our state’s greatest accomplishments: New Mexico is leading the nation in childcare access and early childhood investment.

We write together — as a legislator who helps shape the state’s budget and as a longtime childcare provider and policy advocate — to tell the other side of the story. What’s happening in early childhood care and education is not a failure. It is a national success story unfolding right here in New Mexico.

Over the past several years, the New Mexico Legislature has made historic investments in childcare assistance, raising eligibility to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, eliminating copays and taxes, and paying providers at the true cost of care — a bold and rare move that only three states in the nation have implemented.

These changes are having a major impact. In Farmington, we’ve seen how these policies translate to real opportunity for children, families and the economy.

A Gold Star Academy has been able to expand from three to five nationally accredited centers, including the recent opening of two new facilities. This expansion created 375 additional childcare slots, bringing the total to more than 750 children served — infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age kids who now have access to safe, nurturing and licensed care.

But families aren’t the only ones benefiting. With the state’s support, Gold Star’s team has grown from 75 to 125 employees, offering wages starting at $15/hour and up to $70,000/year for degreed early childhood professionals. Because of the state’s commitment to fund the real cost of high-quality care, providers can now offer medical, dental, vision and a traditional 401(k) — unheard-of in most childcare settings.

This investment in the workforce ensures that families get consistency, professionalism and peace of mind. And for businesses, that peace of mind is critical.

Companies like Amazon, Whataburger and local retailers are expanding in Farmington — in part because they know there’s a dependable, high-quality childcare system in place for their employees. Nontraditional hours, licensed staff and nationally accredited classrooms mean parents can work, employers can thrive and children can grow up in supportive environments.

Childcare funding remains a top priority in the state budget, because it builds the foundation for the entire economy. Gold Star has used those policies to build a system that proves what’s possible when government and private providers work together.

And most importantly, families feel it.

This is what success looks like. This is what national leadership in childcare feels like — not just in Farmington, but across the state.

So while national rankings may still be catching up, the truth is clear: New Mexico is setting the gold standard in early childhood care. We are not last. We are leading.

Farmington is excelling — and so is the rest of New Mexico.