Jun 23, 2025

ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, June 23, 2025

What's Inside: Welcoming Dr. Joannie Suina: Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Childhood Education and Care, plus 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

Welcoming Dr. Joannie Suina: Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Childhood Education and Care

ECECD is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Joannie Suina as Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Childhood Education and Care, effective Monday, June 23, 2025. ECECD extends a warm welcome to Dr. Suina!

Dr. Joannie Marie Suina (Pueblo de Cochiti), Ed.D., is a seasoned executive leader and strategist with over a decade of experience advancing Tribal priorities through culturally responsive systems building, public sector innovation, and intergovernmental collaboration. She brings a strong track record of bridging Tribal, state, and federal systems to deliver results for Native children and families. She previously served as the Special Projects Coordinator at the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, where she shaped statewide policy, supported legislative development, and fostered cross-agency collaboration to center Tribal voices in systems change. Dr. Suina's passion for early childhood development stems from both her professional work and her lived experience as a Pueblo mother and advocate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-led emergency relief efforts through the New Mexico Native American Relief Fund, directing over $2 million in critical resources to Tribal communities in rural and urban areas of New Mexico. Dr. Suina holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington and a Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law. She proudly serves on the Parent Advisory Council for Santa Fe Indian School, where all four of her children attend. She remains deeply committed to advancing a future where every child is nurtured, celebrated, and supported through systems that honor their identity, language, and inherent brilliance.

Impacted by New Mexico Wildfires?

Families impacted by the Trout Fire (Silver City) or Desert Willow Complex Fire (Los Lunas):

You may qualify for free child care through ECECD’s Emergency Response program.

Call 1-800-832-1321 to apply.

Wildfire info:

Trout Fire Update

Desert Willow Complex Update

Questions? Email ECECD-Wildfire-Response@ececd.nm.gov

See flyer for additional details in English and Spanish: https://www.nmececd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ECECD_ChildCareProgram_English-and-Spanish.pdf

June 23, 2025

What's Inside?

1. Reminders/Announcements

2. Events

3. Professional Development

5. Boletín en Español

Reminders/Announcements

New Mexico’s Investments in Early Care and Education Show Measurable Progress

New Mexico is demonstrating what is possible when a state prioritizes young children and families. A recent article from The 74 Million highlights how New Mexico’s significant investments in early childhood are yielding measurable results. These efforts are raising wages, expanding access, and strengthening the entire early care and education system. As Speaker Javier Martinez stated, “We are rebuilding the village that it takes to raise a child in New Mexico.”

Progress in Action:

Early educators are now earning over $22/hour, an increase from pre-pandemic levels of $17/hour, empowering them to achieve life-changing milestones like homeownership.

Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level—approximately $128,600/year for a family of four—now qualify for tax-exempt subsidies.

These investments have helped lift approximately 120,000 New Mexicans above the poverty line, reducing the state’s poverty rate from 17.1% to 10.9%.

Providers such as Explora Museum and Christiana Kent Center are expanding, with new facilities opening to serve infants and toddlers this fall.

Read the full article: New Mexico’s Investments in Early Care and Education Begin to Show Progress – The 74

Free Helmets for Your Community!

The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, through its free helmet program, offers bicycle, skateboarding, and scooter helmets for you and your familiy.

To arrange a helmet distribution event for your community, please contact Angelia Velarde-Logsdon, Coordinator for the New Mexico Brain Injury Advisory Council.

Contact Information: Angelia Velarde-Logsdon, NM Brain Injury Advisory Council Coordinator

Email: Angelia.velarde-logsdon@gcd.nm.gov

Phone: (505) 690-8324

Kinship Caregivers: You Don't Have to Do This Alone!

Raising grandchildren means double the work and double the love, and that can take a toll. The Warmline is a free, confidential space specifically for kinship caregivers who need someone to talk to. When you call, you'll connect with another parent or caregiver who understands your unique role.

Call 1-855-4NM-7100 to connect. Learn more about how the Children Youth and Family Department can support you by exploring resources at the link below.

Explore resources

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

Support Hatch Valley Public Schools: School Supply Drive!

Important Scam Alert: Protect Your Information!

ECECD Summer Food Program Campaign Wins National Telly Award!

Summer Food Service Program is Back: Healthy Meals for Kids All Summer Long!

2026 Teacher of the Year Application Now Open

Teacher Loan Repayment Program Now Accepting Applications

View More Reminders