Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, marks the first round of missed paychecks for federal workers amid the government shutdown. The federal government entered a shutdown at midnight on Monday, Oct. 1, 2025. However, New Mexico child care services will not experience its effects, according to the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Their full statement is below.

Video below: New Mexico to offer free universal child care

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On Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, KOAT spoke with Albuquerque Child Care Operations Director Natalie Aragon on what to expect as Nov. 1 nears, as well as clearing concerns of any issues amid the government shutdown.

New Mexico is the first in the nation to offer its services for free. Universal childcare will go into effect, Nov. 1, 2025. Th

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