Alison McPartlon, director of the University of #NewMexico Taos Kids' Campus #childcare center, said her waiting list is so long some #children do not get in before they start kindergarten. She said the higher reimbursement rates will help her retain & recruit #educators.

"There will be more centers coming up," said McPartlon, describing the shift to #universal child care as "incredible."

#law #DemocratsDidThat

To achieve a fully universal system, #NewMexico must create nearly 14k more #childcare slots & recruit 5k #educators, acc/to its #Democratic-run #government. The state is establishing a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund to construct & expand #child #care facilities. It is also increasing reimbursement rates to providers that #pay entry-level staff a minimum of $18 per hour, above the state's $12 hourly minimum wage, & offer full-time care.

#law #DemocratsDidThat

Under the program, #families, regardless of income, can receive #state #vouchers to cover #public & #private #childcare fees. It culminates efforts #NewMexico has made to expand access to #free #child #care since the governor & state legislature created the Early Childhood #Education & Care Department in 2019.

The launch comes as other #Democratic-run states, cities & counties eye a step popular among working families.

#law