NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The state said as many as 30,000 New Mexico families qualify for free childcare, but they also know many people can’t access that service.
Now, they’re hoping to hear from families about why and what may be holding them back from getting other related help.
“We are really looking to reach families and understand what things are changing across time,” said Sara Mickelson, Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Deputy Cabinet Secretary.
The ECECD is hoping to get plenty of feedback from New Mexican parents with kids as to what improvements they can make.
“This is the number one opportunity that families have to speak directly to state decision-makers and making their voice heard in what their children need and what they need as parents,” said Mickelson.
This is the third year that ECECD has rolled out a survey asking parents what services they’ve heard of, which ones they use, and if any barriers are getting in the way.
The department said the number one thing they’ve heard from over 3,000 surveys last year is the need for more childcare options.
“Being able to really pinpoint areas of New Mexico where that need is most acute helps us think about how we invest funds in building the supplies,” said Mickelson.
The state said the information they get from parents is critical in helping ask for more funding for childcare – even helping fund programs that can allow for New Mexicans to start their own small home childcare businesses.
“This is key data source to make sure that we are headed in the right direction in the decision[s] that we make,” said Mickelson.
The survey should only take around 15 minutes, and those who fill it out will get a $5 gift card.
“There are 20,000 kids born in our state each year, and we would like to hear from all of their families about what they need,” said Mickelson
