• • Immigration is now the top concern amongst those surveyed. 42% of parents named immigration reform and protecting immigrant rights as a top priority, up from 23% last year.
  • Money is tight. 49% say their financial situation got worse this year, and 54% have less than $1,000 in savings.
  • Housing costs are weighing on families. 70% worry they won't be able to afford to stay in their community.
  • Childcare is a top need. 97% say it's important for leaders to expand affordable, quality childcare and early learning.
  • Families are resilient. 44% are looking for a better-paying job or promotion, and 76% feel empowered to stand up for immigrants and others facing discrimination.

This year's survey also included an oversample of 250 parents and caregivers in New Mexico, a state that recently became the first to set a goal of universal childcare access through legislation. The results offer a helpful baseline as the state moves forward.

• • Demand is strong. 78% of New Mexico families say expanding affordable, quality childcare is very important, 9 points higher than the national average.
  • Family care matters. New Mexican families are more likely to rely on grandparents (39% vs. 32% nationally), and 27% of families not using childcare say they prefer family members to care for their child.
  • Trust is key. 22% of families not using childcare say they don't trust others to care for their child, and only 10% have "a lot of trust" in state agencies.
  • Economic strain is real. Only 17% say they live comfortably, and 37% have borrowed from friends or family to cover costs.
  • Bilingual learning is a priority. 82% of New Mexico parents say it's important for their children to read and write in both English and Spanish.