ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, November 10, 2025
What's Inside: ECECD Is Coming to Your Community! Join Us for Universal Child Care Events, Take the Universal Child Care Pledge + 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
ECECD Is Coming to Your Community! Join Us for Universal Child Care Events
Dear Families, Providers, Educators, and Community Members,
We're excited to bring Universal Child Care directly to communities across New Mexico through three types of in-person events this fall. Whether you're a provider, family member, or community partner, there's an event for you.
Roadshows: Sessions designed for child care providers and early childhood professionals. Join ECECD leadership to learn about policy updates, participation requirements, and available supports.
Community Conversations: Bringing together families, educators, and community partners to share ideas and learn how Universal Child Care is supporting our communities. These sessions are hosted by local early childhood coalitions in partnership with ECECD.
Eligibility Fairs: Offering families one-on-one support with child care assistance applications and renewals, hosted at local child care programs with ECECD staff on-site.
You can view and download flyers with all event details, including dates, times, and locations, at the link here!
View the flyer in English and Spanish! ¡Vea el volante en inglés y en español!
Stay tuned to our website for any updates at nmececd.org/universal .
We look forward to connecting with you!
Take the Universal Child Care Pledge
New Mexico is leading the nation with Universal Child Care, and ECECD invites providers, families, businesses, and community partners to join the movement by taking the Universal Child Care Pledge. This is a public commitment to making our system a success for everyone and helping to build a stronger, more equitable early childhood system for New Mexico families.
By taking the pledge, you are committing to supporting universal access, encouraging families to enroll in Child Care Assistance, supporting ECECD's outreach efforts. Sign the pledge today to receive your “UCC Proud” digital badge to display on your website or social media. After you sign, share your participation using #UCCProud and tag @NewMexicoECECD.
Learn more about the Universal Child Care Pledge
Take the Pledge Now
November 10, 2025
What's Inside?
1. Reminders/Announcements
2. Events
3. Professional Development
5. Boletín en Español
NEW Episode of Ask ALAX!
How can parents pass on Indigenous languages to their "tiny humans"?
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month this November, Alax addresses the beautiful and vital work of New Mexico parents passing on their Indigenous languages to the next generation.
Find resources, programs, and learn about our government-to-government efforts here: nmececd.org/government-to-government
Got a caregiving question for Alax? Call and leave a message: (505) 605-ALAX (2529)
English: https://youtu.be/a9oJ7sTP_rc
Spanish: https://youtu.be/F46Py2j4ykc
Reminders/Announcements
Now Accepting Applications: Statewide Parent Support Network
RFP #2026-0071: Parent Training and Support was cancelled and re-issued due to a technical error, with no additions, deletions or changes to the scope or requirements of the original RFP.
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking competitive negotiations to establish a contract for the development of a statewide parent support network.
This network will be responsible for engaging and training parent volunteers to support families of infants and toddlers who have, or may be at risk for, developmental delays or disabilities.
ECECD serves as the lead agency for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides supports and services for this population through the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program. As the Lead Agency, ECECD must ensure resources are available to support parents.
Through this RFP, ECECD seeks to ensure that all families enrolled in IDEA Part C services have access to:
Parent and peer support groups
Focus groups and educational sessions about IDEA
Opportunities for advocacy and leadership development
These activities will strengthen families’ understanding of their rights under IDEA and build their capacity to advocate effectively for their children.
For more information or to view the RFP, please visit RFP #2026-0071: Parent Training and Support
Join a Subcommittee of the Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council
Are you a parent, caregiver, or professional in the early childhood field? Do you want to help shape programs and services that support young children and families across New Mexico? Are you ready to collaborate with local and state leaders to make sure community voices are heard?
Now is your chance! The Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council and its Subcommittees bring together active, engaged, and inclusive members to build a cohesive, equitable, and family-centered early childhood system.
You can apply to serve on one of four Subcommittees:
Public-Private Partnership – strengthen collaboration across sectors to expand access and opportunity
Program Quality and Accountability – ensure programs are effective, equitable, and responsive to family needs
Early Childhood Professionals – support and elevate the workforce that cares for and educates our youngest children
Data, Infrastructure, and Analysis – use information and systems to guide strong decisions and lasting impact
As a member, you will:
Provide meaningful feedback from your experience and perspective
Contribute your expertise to strengthen programs and services
Help guide the direction of early childhood education…