New Mexico is providing free childcare for all. It’s time for others to do the same

‘With all hope, New Mexico won’t long hold the distinction of being the nation’s only jurisdiction offering early childhood education for all.’ Photograph: Isabel Miranda/The Guardian

For four years, New Mexico has been on a distressing losing streak. The state has consistently ranked last in the nation for child wellbeing, as determined by factors including household income, educational outcomes and child mortality. And over the past decade, whenever New Mexico hasn’t placed 50th, it’s been 49th.

But in its ongoing efforts to shake off that unenviable distinction, the state is poised to achieve a significant first. In September, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham – who made affordable childcare a centerpiece of her 2018 campaign – announced that New Mexico will offer free universal childcare. No other state in the US currently provides this essential service.