Child Care Investment Revolutionizes Industry Economics in New Mexico

Shares in the child care industry have seen a significant shift in New Mexico, where state funds have been invested in the sector. The investment has led to a change in the economics of operating a child care center, making it possible for centers to pay their employees higher wages and provide full benefits. According to Crystal Romero, owner and manager of Early Learning Academy, a child care center with four locations in the Albuquerque region, the investment has allowed them to become the highest-paying child care program in the state. Romero, who has worked in child care for 25 years, stated that the centers are now able to offer their employees a 5-dollar-an-hour raise, in addition to full benefits, including health, vision, dental, and retirement. This change is a result of the state's investment in child care, which has enabled centers to operate more efficiently and effectively. Romero's husband and she are under contract to add two more locations in 2026, further expanding their services. The state's investment in child care is part of a larger effort to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education. According to officials, the investment has been successful in increasing the number of child care centers in the state and improving the quality of care provided. The investment has also led to an increase in the number of children enrolled in child care programs, with Early Learning Academy reporting close to 700 children enrolled. Experts say that the investment in child care is not only beneficial for the children and families but also for the economy as a whole. By providing high-quality early childhood education, child care centers can help children develop essential skills and prepare them for success in school and beyond. This, in turn, can lead to a more skilled and productive workforce, which can benefit the economy. The investment in child care has also led to an increase in the number of child care centers offering full benefits to their employees. Romero stated that all employees at Early Learning Academy are eligible for full benefits, including health, vision, dental, and retirement. This is a significant change from the past, when child care centers often struggled to provide even basic benefits to their employees. The current status of the investment in child care is that it has been successful in improving the quality and accessibility of early childhood education in New Mexico. The state's investment has led to an increase in the number of child care centers and the number of children enrolled in child care programs. The investment has also led to an increase in the number of child care centers offering full benefits to their employees. Next developments in the investment in child care include the addition of two more locations by Early Learning Academy in 2026. The state's investment in child care is expected to continue, with officials stating that they will continue to work to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education.