New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department

???? Happy Thanksgiving from ECECD! ???? In the spirit of the holiday, our office will be closed on Thursday, November 28-29, to enjoy time with loved ones and give thanks for all that we’ve accomplished together. From our ECECD family to yours, we’re wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and plenty of reasons to be grateful! #Thanksgiving #NewMexicoECECD

This Native American History Month, ECECD is reflecting on the powerful work we’ve accomplished with our Tribal partners to create improved educational opportunities for the next generation. Thanks to the advocacy of ECECD and the support of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature, over $3 million in funding has been secured for Tribal early childhood facilities. These initiatives are making a lasting impact in communities across New Mexico, from construction to renovations, ensuring more resources for young learners in places like the Pueblo of Acoma, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and beyond. The road to equitable education for Native children is a journey that requires collaboration, understanding, and a shared commitment to growth. Through the Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA), we’ve partnered with the Navajo Nation, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and many other communities to provide PreK services, early intervention programs, and critical support for families. These investments aren’t just about funding—they’re about ensuring that every child, no matter where they’re from, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about ECECD's work with Tribal communities, you can explore the following resources: Government-to-Government https://bit.ly/3CP1R71 New Mexico Early Childhood Tribal Advisory Coalition (NMECTAC) https://bit.ly/418hvEG 2024 State Tribal Collaboration Act (STCA) Annual Report https://bit.ly/3B4DhhP #NativeAmericanHistoryMonth #TribalPartnerships

ECECD is dedicated to ensuring children across New Mexico have access to nutritious meals year-round, especially during school breaks. Through our Family Nutrition Bureau, ECECD administers programs like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to support families in need. This Thanksgiving, the Clovis School District with the support of ECECD's Family Nutrition Bureau supported students who may face food insecurity during the holiday week. On Thursday, November 21, Clovis students picked up bulk meal packages containing five breakfasts and five lunches to stay nourished while school is out. #NewMexicoECECD #SupportingFamilies #studentnutrition #familiesinneed #clovismunicipalschooldistrict @cms.school.district

Our beloved blue, fuzzy, regional Emmy winning talk show host, The Early Show with Alax, was recently highlighted in the Santa Fe New Mexican for this prestigious award. ECECD’s intergalactic ambassador of care, interviews experts and learns alongside parents and caregivers. Not only does he learn, but also shares early childhood tips, resources, and directs families to ECECD’s supportive programs. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4fZdkPz

Empowering Families with Families FIRST. ECECD is proud to offer Families FIRST—a program dedicated to empowering families every step of the way, from pregnancy through the first three years of your child's life. Families FIRST is here to support Medicaid-eligible families with personalized care, guidance, and resources that grow with you. We believe that a healthy start leads to a lifetime of positive growth, learning, and relationships. ? Your care coordinator is your personal registered nurse, always just a phone call away, providing tailored support and helping you navigate this special journey. Visit ECECD’s Families FIRST site to learn more at https://lnkd.in/eGqRVqkF #FamiliesFIRST #HealthyStart #EarlyChildhood #NewMexicoFamilies #ECECD #SupportAndCare #ParentingJourney

Yesterday, ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky delivered a keynote address at the Gathering for Our Future: Transformative Talks in Early Education in Dover, Delaware. This event brought together community leaders, advocates, and national experts to reimagine the future of early childhood education. As part of the event, Secretary Groginsky also participated in a deep dive panel discussion on the National Landscape of Early Childhood. She joined esteemed colleagues, including Dr. Calvin Moore, CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition, and Dr. Lee Johnson, Senior Fellow of Early Childhood at the Southern Education Foundation. Together, they shared insights and perspectives on advocacy, systems change, and policy priorities to advance early childhood education nationwide. During her keynote, Secretary Groginsky highlighted New Mexico's groundbreaking initiatives, such as expanding universal PreK and building the nation’s most comprehensive child care assistance program. Her leadership showcased New Mexico as a national leader in ensuring equitable access to quality early learning for all families. ECECD is proud to be recognized as a national leader in early childhood education, driving transformative conversations like this and fostering collaboration and innovation to advance early childhood systems across the nation. #NewMexicoECECD #EarlyChildhood #earlychildhoodeducation CDA Council for Professional Recognition Southern Education Foundation

Looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer? You’re invited to participate in a state-wide card writing campaign to bring joy to older adults this holiday season. All you need to do to participate is send cards to New Mexico Aging Services by December 6th, and we’ll take care of the rest! To mail your cards, address them to: New Mexico Aging Services, c/o Denise King, 8500 Menaul Blvd NE Suite 350, Albuquerque, NM 87112. For more information or questions, email [email protected] #CardsForSeniors New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services

Each year on November 20th, National Child's Day is recognized and all the potential represented by our children's welfare, ambitions, dreams, and goals. National Child's Day inspires communities, educators, and parents to give our children the education and the tools to dream, learn, and be successful. From the day they are born their education begins at home and ECECD strives to provide parents with resources vital to growing minds and brain development. Visit our website at nmececd.org and learn how ECECD can be here for you and be the essential building blocks to any child's early childhood education. #newmexicoececd #NationalChildsDay #earlyeducation #childhoodeducation

Calling all Early Childhood Professionals! Stay connected with the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) and get the latest updates on professional development opportunities, upcoming events, new resources, and important policy changes through our newsletter and monthly community calls! Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter: ECECD Newsletter Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube for more! We are @NewMexicoECECD everywhere. Stay informed, stay engaged, and help us continue building a strong early childhood community in New Mexico! #newmexicoececd #earlychildhoodeducation #stayconnected

Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your business, Elevate New Mexico Child Care is here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re asking, why should early childhood professional looking to grow your career use Elevate New Mexico Child Care? Simple, by joining Elevate New Mexico Child Care, powered by Wonderschool, providers save time on many of the day-to-day administrative tasks needed to run their program. Elevate New Mexico Child Care helps providers with everything from getting new enrollments to collecting co-pays online. Best of all, it’s completely FREE for early childhood professionals in New Mexico! Learn more and elevate your career today: https://lnkd.in/gVJiCMKi #ECEprofessional #ProfessionalDevelopment