ECECD 2026 Legislative Session Mailer - Jan. 20, 2026
Join Us Tonight for a Spotlight on the 2026 Legislative Session, Higher Education Day at the Roundhouse, plus more!
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ECECD 2026 Legislative Session Mailer - Jan. 20, 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.
Attend the House Appropriations and Finance Committee Hearing
The New Mexico Legislature’s finance committees review and make recommendations on state spending, budget priorities, and funding proposals that shape how programs and services are delivered in communities across New Mexico.
ECECD will be presenting during the following hearing:
House Appropriations and Finance Committee
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.
Room 307
New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse)
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Public Participation Encouraged: Meetings are open to the public and available to attend in person or view online at www.nmlegis.gov . Public comment will be taken at the end of the day, following the conclusion of scheduled agenda items.
Join Us Tonight: A Community Legislative Preview on the 2026 Session
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, ECECD will provide an early look at legislative priorities, with a focus on protecting and strengthening Universal Child Care. Participants will also hear an overview of what to expect during the legislative 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 the 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
Join via Zoom: https://nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/88208483103 Disponible en español.
Vol. 2 Family Guide to New Mexico’s 2026 Legislative Session
Join us tonight for the launch of Volume 2, featuring new family-centered resources, including one-pagers, social media resources, scripts! 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.Vol. 1 is available now in English and Spanish .
Visit the ECECD YouTube page @NewMexicoECECD to watch brand-new video testimonials from New Mexicans across the state supporting Universal Child Care.
Higher Education Day at the Roundhouse is happening today , bringing together students, families, and education partners to highlight opportunities that support New Mexicans along the cradle-to-career continuum.
When: Today, Tuesday, January 20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe
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
Boletín de la Sesión Legislativa 2026 del ECECD – 20 de enero de 2026
Este boletín se centra en las prioridades legislativas de la primera infancia y está diseñado para ayudar a las familias, a las y los profesionales de la educación temprana y a los socios comunitarios a mantenerse informados sobre áreas clave de política pública, recursos y oportunidades para participar a lo largo de la sesión legislativa.
FECHAS CLAVE
20 de enero: Día de apertura (12:00 p. m.) 15 de enero: Comité de Finanzas del Senado, 1:00 p. m. 20 de enero: Enfoque en la Sesión Legislativa, 7:00–8:00 p. m. 21 de enero : Comité de Apropiaciones 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
Comunícate con tu legislador o legisladora Ponte en contacto hoy mismo con tus representantes electos y comparte tu apoyo a la primera infancia. Consulta la Guía para Familias a continuación para obtener los datos de contacto.
Asista a una Audiencia de Comité
Los comités de finanzas de la Legislatura de Nuevo México revisan y hacen recomendaciones sobre el gasto estatal, las prioridades presupuestarias y las propuestas de…