Generations ago, the way children were raised in New Mexico looked very different than it does today. Historically, mothers or the extended family took care of young children during the workday. Today, while parents remain children’s first and most important teacher, the majority of New Mexico’s parents rely on other adults to care for and educate children during part of the day. The result is a rapidly growing industry with businesses in every New Mexico community, providing a vital service that supports families’ responsibility to raise their children. This report describes the economic effects that the early care and education (ECE) industry has on New Mexico. Included here is the full report and summary.