Dec 8, 2025

ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, December 8, 2025

What's Inside: New RFP: Infant and Toddler Contracted Slots Pilot Program + more

The full-text version of the ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter is available on the ECECD website here . La versión completa del Boletín semanal sobre el cuidado de los niños está disponible en el sitio web del ECECD aquí .

Featured Story

New RFP: Infant and Toddler Contracted Slots Pilot Program

The Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) has released a new Request for Proposals for the Infant and Toddler Contracted Slots Pilot Program. This pilot is designed to expand access to consistent, high-quality infant and toddler care across New Mexico.

The program prioritizes applications that serve children with developmental delays, families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and families in underserved communities. Licensed child-care providers with a 3-star or higher FOCUS rating—as well as Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes willing to become FOCUS-rated—are invited to apply. Selected providers will receive stable monthly funding per slot.

Correction Notice: In our earlier message regarding the Infant and Toddler Contracted Slots Pilot Program (RFP #2026-2000) , the proposal submission deadline was listed incorrectly. The correct proposal submission deadline is: January 22, 2026 at 3 p.m. MT Please use this corrected deadline when preparing and submitting your materials. We apologize for the error and appreciate your understanding.

Learn more and apply here: nmececd.org/2025/12/04/infant-and-toddler-contracted-slots-pilot-program/

December 8, 2025

What's Inside?

1. Reminders/Announcements

2. Events

3. Professional Development

5. Boletín en Español

Reminders/Announcements

Scratch Cooking Pilot Program Funding Opportunity for New Mexico Early Childhood Centers

Participating centers receive an additional $0.65 for every Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) lunch or supper that meets scratch-cooking criteria. Centers that meet the criteria earn the Scratch Cooking Nutrition Badge to showcase their commitment to fresh, nutritious meals.

Optional Start-Up Funding

Centers may apply for one-time start-up funds to support scratch cooking through kitchen equipment, staff training or wage support, minor facility modifications, or other allowable improvements. Awards are contingent on available funding.

Eligibility

Centers must:

✓ Participate in CACFP and serve lunch and/or supper

✓ Have an active Cooperative Agreement and CACFP EPICS account

✓ Operate a permitted self-prep kitchen (on-site or central kitchen)

Applications Due : Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Questions? Contact: anna.martin@ececd.nm.gov

Golden Chile Success!

A record 24 New Mexico early learning centers won Golden Chile Awards for using NM-grown food to boost child nutrition and support local farmers! Nearly half achieved advanced tiers. ECECD celebrates these leaders!

See the full list of all 24 awardees here!

Universal Child Care Knowledge Bites on Facebook

ECECD has launched a new video series: Universal Child Care Knowledge Bites!

These quick, text-based reels are designed to help New Mexico families and providers better understand Universal Child Care Assistance. Get answers to common questions about eligibility, benefits, and more.

New videos post three times a week. Follow ECECD on Facebook and Instagram to watch the reels!

Find more details here: nmececd.org/universal

View more reminders on the full-text version of the Weekly Child Care newsletter.

Nurturing Native Language Learning from the Earliest Stages

Take the Universal Child Care Pledge

New Mexico PreK Program Milestones

New Mexico Department of Health Helpline Now Accepts Text Messages

Join a Subcommittee of the Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council

Sacred Beginnings Learning Tour

View More Reminders