New Mexico voters enshrine early childhood education in state constitution

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
"New Mexico ranks 50th in the nation for child well-being.

But that reality could shift in the years to come, as the state will soon start pumping more than $150 million every year into early childhood education.

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The money is on its way after voters in New Mexico approved a ballot measure this month called Constitutional Amendment One, which directs funding across the state to the youngest learners and the people who care for them.

The cash comes from a unique trust, funded by gas and oil revenue, that was first put into place as part of New Mexico's statehood more than 100 years ago.

New Mexico has taken steps to help families during the pandemic, such as offering free daycare. But that's been temporary. And in the years to come, this new funding stream will be guaranteed.

Andrea Serrano, executive director of OLÉ, a nonprofit for working families, has been fighting for this kind of support for years.

“This means so much change for New Mexico,” she says. “This means a path for our children to have quality early education, home visiting day care. This means increased wages for early educators.”

Increased wages have been a big sticking point to recruiting and keeping people in early education jobs.

Ivydel Natachu, who teaches 3-year-olds at Childco Day School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is hopeful the new funding will benefit generations.

Before the pandemic, she was making $10 per hour. With pandemic relief support, she’s now making $17 per hour, or about $34,000 a year.

But she is fighting for better pay and benefits."...