ECECD Elizabeth Groginsky visiting Monday the PreK program at Luna Community College. Courtesy/ECECD

ECECD News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky and other staff from the agency’s leadership team kicked off a statewide tour this past week with visits to Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Springer, Clayton and Raton.

Groginsky met with early childhood educators, childcare providers, home visiting professionals, parents, elected officials, and other community members. ECECD leadership will visit more than 20 communities across the state over the next few months to hear directly from early childhood stakeholders.

“New Mexico is a diverse state, and local early childhood needs and strengths are going to be equally diverse,” Groginsky said. “That’s why we believe it is so important that we show up in these communities, learn from people’s lived experiences, and use that knowledge to build programs and policies that help all New Mexican children and families thrive.”

During the community visits, Groginsky and members of the ECECD leadership team will host roundtable discussions to learn how the agency can further support the diverse educational, developmental, health, and nutritional needs of young children in every region of the state.  

Since ECECD’s inception in July 2020, the state has made significant investments across the early childhood system in New Mexico, specifically boosting PreK enrollment, broadening home visiting services, expanding child care assistance, increasing enrollment in the wage supplement and scholarship programs for early childhood professionals, and connecting with families through its award-winning Moments Together public education campaign.

“We would like to thank Secretary Groginsky and her staff for listening to and supporting our community and staff members, as well as exploring future growth in moving forward,” said Program Manager Louise E. Hoogerhuis of First Born of Northern New Mexico, a home visiting program in Las Vegas.

Groginsky said, “I’m excited to meet with providers, educators, parents, local leaders, and other stakeholders to share our vision for a world-class system of early childhood programs and services and learn how we can better support the needs of communities across New Mexico.” 

ECECD 2022 Spring Tour Schedule:

Courtesy/ECECD