May 12, 2025

ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, May 12, 2025

What's Inside: Belated Happy Mother’s Day from ECECD, New Ask Alax Episode: Screen Time, 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

Happy Belated Happy Mother’s Day from ECECD

To all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers across New Mexico—Happy (belated) Mother’s Day!

At ECECD, we recognize that mothers are at the heart of strong families and thriving communities. Every day, our work is grounded in supporting you—through home visiting, child care assistance, nutrition programs, mental health resources, and early learning opportunities that empower families to grow and succeed.

While one day is never enough to honor the care, strength, and resilience you bring to your families, we hope you felt celebrated and supported. Thank you for all that you do—for your children, for your communities, and for the future of New Mexico.

With gratitude,

The ECECD Team

New Ask Alax Episode: Screen Time

Our intergalactic Ambassador of Care, Alax, tackles screen time in a new episode of “Ask Alax!” Many parents have questions about screen time, and Alax is here with answers, tips, and resources.

In this episode, Claudia from Tijeras asks, “I feel judged when my child is on his device. What would you say is okay?”

Find out Alax's answer and subscribe:

Ask Alax – Screen Time – English: https://youtu.be/nU8gBKZ8Pdc

Ask Alax – Screen Time – Spanish: https://youtu.be/IjaykJ6Y9pc

For more ideas on balancing screen time, visit MomentsNM.org/Screentime .

Learn more about “The Early Show with Alax” at TheEarlyShow.org .

May 12, 2025

What's Inside?

1. Reminders/Announcements

2. Events

3. Professional Development

5. Boletín en Español

Reminders/Announcements

Celebrating the Expansion of Family Child Care Networks in New Mexico

Thank you to the nearly 200 home educators and early childhood partners who joined ECECD and Growing Up New Mexico (GUNM) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to celebrate a major investment in expanding support for family child care providers. ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky spoke to attendees, recognizing the essential role home educators play in communities across the state. The virtual event featured powerful stories from coaches and home educators who shared how individualized support has helped them become licensed, improve their FOCUS star ratings, and strengthen their businesses.

Watch the full celebration recording here .

Want to become a home educator or connect to a local network?

Contact the Escalones Support Program at escalones@growingupnm.org or 505-819-0136.

Know Your Rights: Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) Resources

Trusted immigration attorney Rebecca Kitson, in partnership with Success Partnership, is sharing important community resources regarding the new Alien Registration Requirement (ARR). These materials help explain who may already be registered, what documents count, and your legal rights regardless of immigration status.

Please take a moment to review the flyers—available in both English and Spanish—and share widely with families and individuals who may benefit.

Downloads here: Ongoing Resources

These materials include:

A checklist to help determine if someone is already registered

Legal risks and protections to be aware of

"Know Your Rights" guidance in case of ICE or police contact

What to do if you are detained or if officials come to your home

Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and informed.

2026 NMPED Teacher of the Year Application Now Open

The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is accepting applications for the 2026 New Mexico Teacher (NMTOY) of the Year. The NMTOY program recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and advocacy for public education. The selected teacher will represent New Mexico at both the state and national level, advocating for students, teachers, and public education. This award is open to certified preschool and preK–12 educators in public or charter schools with at least five years of experience. Nominations are due by Friday, June 27, 2025. Apply here.

Questions? Contact Matthew Zimmerman, PED PR and Social Media Coordinator, at matthew.zimmerman@ped.nm.gov .

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

NMDOH Measles Alert

Save the Date for the Early Care, Education and Nutrition Division's 2025 Spring Fling Provider Roundtable Meetings

The New Mexico Summer Reading Program is HERE

National Nurses Week was May 6–12, 2025

Last Week was Teacher Appreciation Week May 5–9, 2025

View More Reminders