ECECD 2026 Legislative Session Mailer - Jan. 13, 2026
A spotlight on the 2026 Legislative Session for families and communities, and Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse
The 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session begins on Tuesday, January 20 , and concludes on Thursday, February 19, 2026 . This mailer is focused on early childhood legislative priorities and is intended to help families, early childhood professionals, and community partners stay informed about key policy areas, resources, and opportunities to engage throughout the session.
KEY DATES
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Jan 20: Opening day (noon)
Jan 15: Senate Finance Committee, 1 p.m.
Jan 20: Spotlight on Legislative Session, 7–8 p.m.
Jan 21: House Appropriations & Finance Committee, 1:30 p.m.
Feb 14: Early Childhood Day
Feb 19: Session ends
Reach out to your Legislator
Contact your elected officials today and share your support for early childhood. See the Family Guide below for contact details.
Join ECECD for a Community Legislative Preview
Save the Date | Tuesday, January 20 | 7–8 p.m. | Virtual
The 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session is underway , and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) is hosting a virtual Community Legislative Preview to share what families and communities need to know.
Universal Child Care is ECECD’s top priority this session. During this virtual event, we will provide an early look at our legislative priorities with a focus on protecting and strengthening Universal Child Care, along with an overview of what to expect during the session and how families and community members can stay engaged on issues that matter most to young children.
Participants will hear:
An overview of early childhood legislative priorities, with Universal Child Care as our central focus
What to expect during the 2026 legislative session and how decisions may impact families and providers
Ways families and communities can stay informed, share their voices, and support Universal Child Care throughout the session
This event is an introduction to the session. More detailed information about Universal Child Care priorities, proposals, and opportunities for engagement will be shared in the weeks ahead.
Join via Zoom: https://nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/88208483103
More details coming soon. Disponible en español.
You’re Invited to Celebrate Early Childhood at the Roundhouse
Save the Date | Saturday, February 14 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | New Mexico State Capitol
Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse returns in 2026 with the theme “When Child Care Works, New Mexico Works.” This year’s event will highlight Universal Child Care as a cornerstone of New Mexico’s commitment to working families, children, and communities.
Join early childhood educators, families, partners, and advocates at the State Capitol for a day of connection, learning, and celebration. Together, we will uplift how Universal Child Care and other early childhood investments help families thrive, strengthen communities, and support New Mexico’s workforce and economy.
Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to:
Learn more about Universal Child Care and other early childhood priorities
Connect with families, providers, and advocates from across the state
Celebrate the collective impact of early childhood programs on New Mexico’s future
More details to come
NEW RESOURCE: Family Guide to New Mexico’s 2026 Legislative Session
Our new Family Guide helps families understand how the legislative session works, why it matters for early childhood, and how families can participate and make their voices heard.
The guide is available in English and Spanish and is designed to be clear, accessible, and family-friendly.
Folleto de la Sesión Legislativa 2026 del ECECD
13 de enero de 2026
La Sesión Legislativa de Nuevo México de 2026 comienza el martes 20 de enero y concluye el jueves 19 de febrero de 2026 . Este folleto se centra en las prioridades legislativas de la primera infancia y tiene como objetivo ayudar a las familias, a los profesionales de la educación y el cuidado temprano, y a los socios comunitarios a mantenerse informados sobre áreas clave de política pública, recursos y oportunidades de participación a lo largo de la sesión.
FECHAS CLAVE
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15 de enero: Comité de Finanzas del Senado, 1 p.m. 20 de enero: Día de apertura de la sesión (mediodía) 20 de enero: Enfoque sobre la Sesión Legislativa, 7–8 p.m. 21 de enero: Comité de Asignaciones y Finanzas de la Cámara de Representantes, 1:30 p.m. 14 de febrero: Día de la Primera Infancia 19 de febrero: Fin de la sesión
Comuníquese con su legislador. Su voz importa. Comuníquese hoy con sus funcionarios electos y exprese su apoyo a la primera infancia. Consulte la Guía para las Familias a continuación para obtener información de contacto.
Únanse a ECECD para un Avance Legislativo Comunitario
Reserve la fecha | Martes 20 de enero | 7–8 p.m. | Virtual
La Sesión Legislativa de Nuevo México 2026 ya está en marcha , y el Departamento de Educación y Cuidado en la Primera Infancia (ECECD) le invita a participar en una Vista Previa Legislativa Comunitaria virtual para compartir información clave con familias y comunidades.
El Cuidado Infantil Universal es la principal prioridad de ECECD durante esta sesión legislativa. Durante este evento virtual, ofreceremos una visión inicial de nuestras prioridades legislativas, con un enfoque central en proteger y fortalecer el Cuidado Infantil Universal, así como un panorama general de lo que puede esperar durante la sesión y cómo las familias y las comunidades pueden mantenerse involucradas en los temas que más importan a los niños pequeños.
Las personas participantes conocerán:
Un resumen de las prioridades legislativas en la primera infancia, con el Cuidado Infantil Universal como eje central
Qué esperar durante la Sesión Legislativa 2026 y cómo las decisiones pueden afectar a familias y proveedores
Cómo las…