Jun 10, 2025

ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, June 9, 2025

What's Inside: , 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

Governor Expands Dolly Parton Imagination Library Statewide

Thank you for celebrating with the Early Childhood Education and Care Department at the Executive Order signing to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in New Mexico! Your support made this special day possible as we bring more Dolly magic to children and families statewide. Please share the attached photo on your platforms!

You can relive the magic of the event and see Dolly Parton's special message in this video: https://youtu.be/Q9oVDF2CE4A?si=e7w5Av1c26kONXt2

For more information, see the press release from the Office of the Governor: Governor expands Dolly Parton Imagination Library statewide

Early Literacy | The Early Show with Alax Full Episode

In this episode, Alax learns about early literacy. Alax is joined by Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of the Imagination Library of Grant County, with a special transmission from Daniel Vandever, an author, father, and member of the Navajo Nation. Our guests help Alax discover the many ways to enjoy words and stories with young children (including through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and through books without words like Daniel’s Herizon).

Early Literacy | The Early Show with Alax Full Episode

June 9, 2025

What's Inside?

1. Reminders/Announcements

2. Events

3. Professional Development

5. Boletín en Español

Reminders/Announcements

ECECD Summer Food Program Campaign Wins National Telly Award!

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) is thrilled to announce that its innovative Summer Food Program Campaign has clinched a prestigious Silver Telly Award! This national recognition celebrates our playful and engaging television spot, which humorously highlights the importance of providing free, nutritious meals to children throughout the summer months.

Want to see the award-winning campaign and learn more about how we're fighting childhood hunger with a smile?

Read the full press release here

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

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) is excited to announce the return of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Food Program! This program ensures that when school is out, children and teens aged 1–18 still have access to healthy, nutritious meals at no cost.

Finding a Summer Food Program location near you is easy. Simply visit SummerFoodNM.org to search for participating meal sites in your area. All sites and programs became fully operational Monday, June 2, 2025.

Why Participate?

Free Meals : Nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and sometimes snacks or suppers are available at no cost.

Healthy Options : Meals meet USDA nutrition standards, promoting balanced and healthy food choices.

Community Focused : Sites are conveniently located at schools, parks, playgrounds, and community centers.

Supports Learning and Growt h: Proper nutrition is vital for children's development, keeping them active and engaged.

Summer Food sponsors are eligible for the New Mexico Grown Grant. This grant provides funds to purchase locally grown, raised or produced foods that are served as part of an eligible Summer Food Service meal.

CACFP Annual training wraps up the week of June 9-13 with two training sessions in Albuquerque scheduled for June 11 and 12 at the CNM Workforce Training Center.

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

ECECD Santa Fe Office Move

2025 State Tribal Leaders Summit and Government to Government Indian Education Summit – Registration Now Open

Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council reports child care shortage, urges continued investment

Measles Cases Reported in San Juan and Lea Counties: NMDOH Measles Alert

2026 NMPED Teacher of the Year Application Now Open

Teacher Loan Repayment Program Now Accepting Applications

NM PreK Program Updates

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Community of Practice Summer Institute

View More Reminders