Universal Child Care Expands Access, but Staffing Shortages Limit Impact in Socorro

New Mexico’s move to become the nation’s first state to offer universal child care is being hailed as a major step forward for families. Under the universal child care program, income caps for child care assistance were eliminated, expanding eligibility to families across all income levels, but local providers say staffing shortages remain a significant barrier to meeting demand.

Tara Jaramillo is the owner of Positive Outcomes, which is the parent company of Alberta Academy, a five-star early childhood education provider in Socorro. She said the policy change has not significantly altered enrollment at her facility because the majority of students were already covered by the state’s Child Care Assistance Program that helped income-eligible families pay a portion or all of their childcare costs with an in-program provider.

Jaramillo said that the need in Socorro isn’t in child-care cost coverage as much as it is to find qualified staff with degrees in early childhood education. Facilities, such as Alberta House, that have a five-star ranking only employ staff who have associate, bachelor or masters degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE). 

New Mexico offers students pursuing ECE degrees support through scholarships, stipends, and wage supplements. Additionally, state mandates now require early childhood educators to start at approximately $16 to $18 per hour, depending on experience, and pre-K teachers are paid at rates comparable to public school educators. Yet, Jaramillo said staffing shortages are an issue state-wide.

“Many of us are struggling with staffing, and we have long waiting lists,” Jaramillo said. “We simply don’t have the teaching staff to be able to serve all the children who have applied.”

That infrastructure gap is not about physical space. According to Jaramillo, most facilities—including Positive Outcomes—have classrooms available. The problem is finding and retaining qualified early childhood educators. 

Early childhood education programs are offered through institutions such as CNM and the University of New Mexico, with a mix of online and in-person classes. However, Jaramillo said it’s difficult for people with young families to work full time and go to school.

“I think it’s a nationwide issue,” Jaramillo said. “Pay has gone up dramatically, but we’re still having a hard time finding employees.”

She added that universal child care may have a greater impact in larger cities or among higher-income families who were previously ineligible for assistance. In Socorro and Catron County, Jaramillo said she hopes the expanded program will encourage growth in licensed in-home child care, which can be especially valuable in rural communities.

Jaramillo said the in-home child care model could open doors for grandparents, relatives, or stay-at-home parents to provide care and receive compensation while ensuring safety and accountability.

Licensed in-home providers must meet state requirements, including background checks, safety inspections and quality ratings through the state’s focus monitoring system. Providers can earn one- to five-star ratings, with higher ratings requiring formal curriculum and certified teachers.

“It really is about the state providing safe care for our children,” she said.

Those interested in becoming licensed in-home providers can apply through the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department website.

“Universal child care isn’t just about centers,” Jaramillo said. “It’s about creating options for families—and I hope more people in our communities explore those options.”