New Mexico's Child Care Investment Pays Off: A Surprising Path to Profit

Shares in child care centers have seen a significant increase in New Mexico due to the state's investment in the industry. The state's funding has enabled child care providers to offer higher wages and benefits to their employees, making it a more attractive and sustainable business model. According to Crystal Romero, owner and manager of Early Learning Academy, a child care center in Albuquerque, the state's investment has been a game-changer. "Twenty years ago, I had to furnish classrooms by shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, sanding things myself and repainting them," Romero said. "Today, we are the highest-paying child care program in the state, and all employees are eligible for full benefits, including health, vision, dental, and retirement." The state's investment in child care was first implemented through the America Rescue Plan, which provided funding to support the development of high-quality child care programs. New Mexico was one of the first states to take advantage of this funding, and the results have been impressive. Early Learning Academy, which consists of four child care centers in the Albuquerque region, has seen a significant increase in enrollment and revenue. The center is under contract to add two more locations in 2026, and Romero says they are on track to meet their goals. The impact of the state's investment in child care extends beyond the financial benefits to employees. It also has a positive impact on the children in their care. "When we invest in child care, we're not just investing in the children's education, we're also investing in their future," said Romero. "We're giving them the tools they need to succeed in life, and that's a return on investment that's hard to put a price on." The success of Early Learning Academy is not an isolated incident. Other child care centers in New Mexico have also seen significant improvements in their financial stability and employee satisfaction. The state's investment in child care has created a ripple effect, with more and more centers adopting the same business model. This has led to a shortage of qualified child care providers, as more and more people are attracted to the industry. The state's investment in child care is a model that other states are taking notice of. Officials from other states have been visiting New Mexico to learn more about their approach and how they can replicate it in their own states. The success of New Mexico's child care program has also caught the attention of policymakers at the federal level. There is a growing recognition that investing in child care is essential for the economic and social well-being of families and communities. As the state continues to invest in child care, there are plans to expand the program even further. Romero and her team are working with state officials to develop a new model for child care that will provide even more support to families and employees. The future of child care in New Mexico looks bright, and it's a model that other states are eager to follow.