ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, February 2, 2026
What's Inside: Mid-Session Check-in tonight and FOCUS Redesign Data Collection + 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
Today's the Day: Join the Conversation at the ECECD Midway Legislative Check-in
As we reach this key midpoint of the session, it is vital to keep our community informed on the progress of our budget priorities and the expansion of Universal Child Care. We are grateful for all the families, educators, and leaders who have represented New Mexico in this process. Join us to hear the latest updates and learn how we can continue working together for our state’s future.
English Session
Monday, February 2, 2026
7 - 8 p.m.
Join via Zoom : nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/81238084709
Spanish Session
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
7 - 8 p.m.
Join via Zoom : nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/81238084709
Visit nmececd.org/2026-legislative-session/ for more information.
FOCUS Redesign: Spring 2026 Training and Data Collection
This spring, ECECD is launching exploratory data collection in licensed classrooms statewide using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) to measure teacher-child interactions. This initial phase is not an evaluation of educators and will not impact your current FOCUS rating; rather, it serves as a foundational step in our agency’s broader efforts to streamline and improve our quality rating system. To understand the strategic goals behind this transition and to register for virtual or in-person training sessions this January and February, please visit the official ECECD FOCUS Redesign webpage . Note: While current in-person sessions are at capacity, please check the registration links regularly as new sessions are being added.
Visit the New Mexico Early Learning System to register!
Learn more and access the full flyer of course offerings here .
February 2, 2026
What's Inside?
1. Reminders/Announcements
2. Events
3. Professional Development
5. Boletín en Español
Reminders/Announcements
Updated Universal Child Care Provider Reimbursement Rates
ECECD has released updated Universal Child Care provider rate tables to reflect the latest reimbursement structures for child care programs statewide. Effective as of Thursday, January 29, 2026, these tables outline both standard and enhanced reimbursement rates, including the specific wage floor requirements and flat monthly payments for wrap-around care. These updates are designed to help providers understand their revenue potential and maintain business stability while serving New Mexico families.
To view the full rate tables, please visit our Universal Child Care page and scroll to the "Resources" section.
Update for Child Care Facility Loan Fund Applicants
ECECD, in partnership with the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA), is managing the Child Care Facility Loan Fund (CCRLF) application and award process. Applications have been reviewed and scored by ECECD, and all applicants will receive a notification letter, regardless of award status.
The CCRLF program is highly competitive, with final decisions based on several factors, including project impact and readiness. While not all projects could be prioritized for funding, ECECD remains committed to increasing child care capacity across New Mexico and supporting providers in accessing financing opportunities for expansion.
To support these goals, ECECD will host a webinar at 2:30 p.m., Monday, February 9, to share additional financing options available to providers.
We hope you are able to join us. Se ofrecerá interpretación al español.
Zoom Link : nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/85098737720
View more reminders on the full-text version of the Weekly Child Care newsletter.
Apply Now: Advancing a Bilingual and Indigenous Early Childhood Workforce
“Bridging” the Gap: The Food Security Bridge Fund Application is Live
Nominate a Heart and Soul Early Childhood Champion in Rio Arriba County
2026 Legislative Session Resources Webpage
Executive Budget Recommendation: Continued Investment in NM Families
NM PreK FY27 Grant Opportunity
View More Reminders
Recommended Reading:
Story: " In New Mexico, grandparents caring for grandkids can also get free child care now" from Source NM
Op-ed/essay " Universal child care: It took cooperation and compromise " from the Santa Fe New Mexican
Op-ed/essay: " Universal child care can lead to more educational opportunities " from the Albuquerque Journal
Podcast: " This State Made Child Care Free " from CNN
Events
February Early Childhood Community Call
Join ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky and special guests on the first Tuesday of every month from 8–9 a.m., to discuss important issues pertaining to the New Mexico early childhood community. The next Early Childhood Community Call will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Did you miss last month’s Community Call?
Recordings: English | Spanish
Presentations: Community Call Presentation January 2026
Zoom Meeting Details (same link every meeting):
Join via Zoom
Telephone: 669-900-9128 or 253-215-8782
Webinar ID: 958 5783 9577
Save the Date: Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse 2026
Mark your calendars! You are invited to join ECECD for Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Starting at 10 a.m., the New Mexico State Capitol will open its doors to early childhood educators, families, partners, and advocates from across the state. This special day is a unique opportunity to come together at the heart of our state government to celebrate the progress we’ve made and connect with others who share a passion for supporting our youngest New Mexicans.
We are currently finalizing the full schedule of activities and look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks. We hope to see you there as we continue working together to…