Nov 24, 2025

ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, November 24, 2025

What's Inside: Take the 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

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 24, 2025

What's Inside?

1. Reminders/Announcements

2. Events

3. Professional Development

5. Boletín en Español

Reminders/Announcements

ECECD Hosted Statewide Family Summit

New Mexico’s statewide Family Summit was held in Albuquerque on November 8, 2025. This summit brought together families from across the state for a day centered on learning, connection, and empowerment. The event was the culmination of a larger statewide effort led by ECECD in partnership with the University of New Mexico Family Development program which hosted five regional family leadership summits in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025 in Farmington, Albuquerque, Pojoaque, Roswell, and Las Cruces.

The summit’s sessions covering topics on self–care, nutrition, and family leadership resonated strongly with families. Summit participants reported leaving with practical resources and increased confidence to advocate in their communities.

Overall, the Family Summit showcased what can happen when families are at the center of early childhood efforts. It strengthened leadership, deepened connections, and set the stage for an even more inclusive, community-driven approach to future summits across New Mexico.

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 and care in New Mexico

Apply today and make your voice count for children, families, and communities across our state!

To apply, fill out the interest form here, forms.office.com/g/k0FsyyddV9 by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2025.

For more information on the Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council and it’s subcommittees, please visit the website at: Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council | Early Childhood Education & Care Department

If you have any questions or need help filling out the application, please contact Jennifer Knapp at jennifer.knapp@ececd.nm.gov

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

Sacred Beginnings Learning Tour

View More Reminders