New Mexico's Universal Childcare with Debra Rinell (Final Day)

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First, we need to strengthen our ability to advocate alongside one another, regardless of which stakeholder group we represent. Providers, legislators, agencies, advocates, and families all face different barriers. When we focus exclusively on our own challenges, we miss opportunities to create solutions that benefit the entire childcare ecosystem.

Second, we need to think differently about funding. New Mexico demonstrated that transformational change requires creativity. The conversation cannot be limited to increasing state appropriations. One of the most fascinating aspects of New Mexico's approach is its Early Childhood Trust Fund, which provides a dedicated, long-term funding source for early childhood initiatives. Washington must explore innovative funding mechanisms of its own and consider what a sustainable childcare trust fund could look like for future generations.

Third, we need to examine regulations that create costs without improving outcomes. Washington State Representative Steve Bergquist noted that meaningful progress can be made through policy changes that require little or no additional funding. During the discussion, I suggested that a productive starting point would be reviewing regulations that increase costs for providers while offering limited benefit to children, families, or program quality. Collaboration with providers on identifying, reducing, or rethinking these requirements could produce meaningful results without additional taxpayer expense.

Representative Julio Cortes emphasized another important lesson: while data informs policy, stories inspire action. Legislators need to hear directly from the families, educators, and providers affected by childcare policies. He encouraged us to invite legislators into our programs, engage employees and families in advocacy efforts, and create opportunities for policymakers to hear firsthand about the challenges facing childcare programs and the communities they serve.

This trip was incredibly valuable, and it reinforced something I have been thinking about as both a childcare provider and the founder of Childcare Management Solutions: involvement matters.

At CMS, we teach owners to build team-managed programs through the CARE4Method, strategic delegation, and Virtual Assistant support. Historically, many owners have viewed their role as being deeply involved in daily operations. Yet as childcare regulations, workforce challenges, and public policy continue to evolve, I find myself asking whether our greatest contribution lies elsewhere.

The future of childcare will not be shaped solely inside our classrooms. It will also be shaped in legislative hearings, community meetings, advocacy efforts, and policy discussions. Supporting our teams remains important, but perhaps our highest-value role as owners is ensuring that quality childcare remains available for future generations.

One of the benefits of strong systems, capable leadership teams, and administrative support such as CMS Virtual Assistants is that they create the space for owners to step out of the day-to-day and into the conversations that will ultimately shape the future of our profession. Advocacy requires time, and time is often the resource childcare owners have the least of.

We are already skilled at modeling classroom management, child development, and program quality. Maybe our role must also include modeling leadership, business stewardship, and advocacy.

If New Mexico taught me anything this week, it is that meaningful change happens when providers move from being affected by policy to helping shape it.