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New Mexico Makes History
New Mexico is the first state in the nation to offer universal, no-cost childcare. All four ABQ Childcare locations are participating providers, serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
The Program
In March 2026, New Mexico became the first state in the nation to sign universal childcare into law. The program provides free, high-quality childcare to every family in New Mexico, regardless of income. There are no work requirements and no complex applications.
The state funds the program entirely, so families pay nothing at participating licensed providers. ABQ Childcare is a proud participating provider at all four Albuquerque locations.
Eligibility
Every family in New Mexico qualifies. Universal means universal. There are no income caps, no employment prerequisites, and no waiting lists based on financial status.
Every family qualifies regardless of household income. This program is truly universal.
Stay-at-home parents, students, job seekers, and working families all qualify equally.
No complicated applications. Contact any of our four centers and we will guide you through the process.
Getting Started
Enrolling your child under the universal childcare program is straightforward. Here is what to expect.
Visit any of our four locations to meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and find the right fit for your child.
Our staff will help you through the enrollment paperwork and handle the state program documentation on your behalf.
Once enrolled, your child begins attending at no cost. You will receive daily updates through the Brightwheel app.
Programs
Universal childcare covers every age group we serve, from infants through school-age children. All programs at all four locations are included.
| Program | Ages |
|---|---|
| Infants | 6 weeks to 12 months |
| Toddlers | 1 to 3 years |
| Preschool | 3 to 4 years |
| Pre-K | 4 to 5 years |
| School Age | 5 to 12 years |
All programs include four free CACFP meals daily, Brightwheel parent communication, and curriculum aligned with New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines. View all programs
Locations
Every ABQ Childcare location accepts children under the universal childcare program. Choose the center closest to your home or workplace.
Why ABQ Childcare
Universal childcare means you can choose any licensed provider. Here is why Albuquerque families have trusted us for over 50 years.
One of the few childcare providers in New Mexico with national accreditation from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation.
The highest quality designation from New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department across all four locations.
Founded in 1974. Second-generation families choose us because the quality and warmth have remained consistent for decades.
Every child receives breakfast, lunch, and two snacks through the CACFP nutrition program at no additional cost.
Voted Best Daycare and Best Preschool by Albuquerque The Magazine three consecutive years.
Real-time photos, activity logs, meal tracking, and direct teacher messaging through the Brightwheel parent app.
New Mexico became the first state in the nation to offer universal, no-cost childcare to all families regardless of income. Signed into law in March 2026, the program covers children from 6 weeks through age 12 at licensed providers like ABQ Childcare.
Every family in New Mexico qualifies. There are no income limits, no work requirements, and no complex applications. If you live in New Mexico and have a child between 6 weeks and 12 years old, your child is eligible for no-cost childcare at participating providers.
Contact any of our four Albuquerque locations or visit our enrollment page to schedule a tour. Our staff will walk you through the simple enrollment process, help with any state paperwork, and find a spot for your child in the right age group.
The program covers children from 6 weeks through age 12. At ABQ Childcare, this includes our Infant (6 weeks to 12 months), Toddler (1 to 3 years), Preschool (3 to 4 years), Pre-K (4 to 5 years), and School Age (5 to 12 years) programs.
Correct. The state of New Mexico funds the program entirely. Families pay nothing for childcare at participating licensed providers. ABQ Childcare is a participating provider at all four locations.
ABQ Childcare has served Albuquerque families since 1974. We are NECPA nationally accredited, 5-Star rated by NM CYFD, and a three-time Best of City winner (2022 to 2024). We provide four free CACFP meals daily, use the Brightwheel app for parent communication, and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios across all age groups.
Yes. All four locations participate: All Seasons Day School (Southeast Heights), Alvarado Day School (Nob Hill), ChildCo Day School (Midtown), and Little Corral Day School (Far Northeast Heights).
Schedule a tour at any of our four Albuquerque locations. Our team will walk you through enrollment and answer every question.
Last updated: March 2026. Information reflects the NM universal childcare law as signed.