Feb 5, 2026

RELEASE: Early Childhood Family Engagement & Satisfaction Survey is now open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julia Sclafani, Public Relations Specialist Email: ECECD-PIO@ececd.nm.gov Mobile: (505) 699-5937

Visit the Early Childhood Education and Care Department Newsroom here .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feburary 4, 2026

CONTACT

Julia Sclafani

Public Relations Specialist

Email: ECECD-PIO@ececd.nm.gov

Mobile: (505) 699-5937

1120 Paseo De Peralta

Santa Fe, NM 87501

nmececd.org

Final year to take the Early Childhood Family Engagement & Satisfaction Survey

Parents and caregivers are invited to share feedback on early childhood programs

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) has its annual Early Childhood Family Engagement and Satisfaction Survey, inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences with early childhood programs statewide.

The survey, which opened today, February 5, 2026, collects feedback on the programs serving New Mexico families with children under age 5. Responses will help ECECD strengthen services, improve access, and identify where additional support is needed. This is the fifth and final year that the survey will be conducted.

“Each year, thousands of families share their experiences, and their voices directly shape how early childhood programs grow and improve,” said ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky . “We want to hear from parents and caregivers across every community, so we can continue building a system that supports children’s learning and family well-being.”

Results from the 2025 survey showed significant progress:

80% of families are now aware of early childhood programs statewide.

91% of families using child care services say these programs improved their well-being.

Preschool participation remains strong, with most children attending full-day programs.

Unmet child care needs have dropped sharply, from 32% in 2022 to 12% in 2025.

The survey is confidential, takes 10–15 minutes, and is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Participants will receive a $10 gift card upon completion. Community partners across New Mexico will support families with outreach and assistance.

For more information and to take the survey, visit https://nextstepsnm.org/

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Project ECHO, a program of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, administers the survey in partnership with the state. Through professional education and learning, Project ECHO supports local community providers, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to improve the well-being of families in New Mexico and beyond.

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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham launched the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2020, making New Mexico among the first states to consolidate all early childhood programs and services under a single cabinet-level agency. Under this administration, ECECD has led the nation by expanding access to free New Mexico PreK, overseeing the largest investment in early childhood infrastructure in state history, and implementing cost-free child care for a majority of New Mexico families. Learn more about how ECECD supports children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities at nmececd.org, or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram as @NewMexicoECECD.

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