Gov. Lujan Grisham announces historic expansion of PreK programs in New Mexico -- Funding includes more than 550 new PreK slots for tribes, nations and pueblos

Press Release

"When I entered office, early childhood education and care programs were scattered throughout three state agencies, making it difficult to navigate for families and nearly impossible to create meaningful improvements in how we serve our youngest learners. We needed a stronger family-centered, high-quality, universal early care and education system -- and we are delivering. Today is a major step in securing universal PreK access for four-year-olds and a huge leap in access for three-year-olds in our state. Today, we are leading the nation in creating lasting, generational opportunities for New Mexico families and young children."

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"We often talk about early childhood education as a long-term investment; a vital expense on the front end that will pay off down the road -- when kids grow up well-prepared to join the workforce and succeed. It is that -- but that's not all it is. Because improving access to early education and care also creates benefits right now -- for parents who can go to work, support their families and contribute to their community. For entrepreneurs who can invest in innovation and job growth. For businesses that can attract new workers and put down new roots. When we ignore these opportunities, we diminish our economic potential -- but when we embrace them, we can transform our future."

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