Early childhood programs net mixed results in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Legislative analysts say the results are mixed when it comes to the effectiveness of New Mexico's programs for young children. The Legislative Finance Committee has released an accountability report that covers spending and outcomes for early childhood programs across several state agencies. Members of the committee were scheduled to discuss the findings at a meeting Wednesday in Taos. The report shows recurring funding for early childhood programs has been on the rise for the last several years, surpassing more than $350 million during the last fiscal year. While funding for many services has increased even during lean budget years, the report highlights troubling indicators that show more work needs to be done to curb abuse and neglect and to get more children into early learning programs.