‘Nannies for Millionaires’? This free child care program had a rocky start.

New Mexico's pioneering effort to provide free universal child care has hit a snag just a year in, with demand far outstripping available slots and costs skyrocketing. This ambitious program aimed to offer free care for all children, but many families are still on waiting lists, highlighting the challenges of scaling up such initiatives. The rising costs and unmet demand raise questions about the program's long-term sustainability and its ability to fulfill the original promise of universal access. As other states consider similar programs, New Mexico's early struggles offer a crucial case study on the complexities of implementing universal child care.