Introduction: The New Mexico Early Childhood Association promotes policies designed to increase access to affordable, high-quality early care and education programs for all children and their families in New Mexico. This public policy platform presents current and emerging policy issues in early care and education that are consistent with the New Mexico Legislature, the Early Child Education & Care Department programs, policy, and potential rule changes. The platform delineates each agenda item in bold, followed by examples of efforts that proposed rule changes, legislation, and the proposed state budget may address.

Commitment to High-Quality Early Care and Education

The New Mexico Early Childhood Association (NMECA) advocates for policies that enhance the quality of early care and education by:

• Establishing and maintaining high standards across all early childhood programs.

• Ensuring accessibility for all children, including those with disabilities and special needs.

• Supporting families in accessing high-quality early learning opportunities.

 

Workforce Development and Sustainability 

A strong early childhood education system depends on a well-educated, highly skilled, and adequately compensated workforce. NMECA supports policies that:

• Strengthen professional development opportunities for early childhood educators.

• Ensure culturally and linguistically responsive training to serve New Mexico’s diverse population.

• Increase wages and benefits to attract and retain qualified professionals.​​

 

Ensuring Access During Emergencies

To support families and children during local, state, and national emergencies, NMECA advocates for policies that:

• Guarantee uninterrupted access to early care and education services.

• Provide emergency funding and operational support for childcare providers.

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Expanding Childcare Infrastructure

New Mexico faces a critical shortage of early care and education services in many communities. NMECA supports efforts to:

• Expand the supply of high-quality early childhood education facilities.

• Provide technical assistance and financial support for facility development and renovations.

• Establish dedicated funding streams to sustain long-term infrastructure growth.

• Ensure equitable access to funding for childcare providers in underserved communities.

• Integrate childcare infrastructure planning into broader local, state, and national development strategies.

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Stabilizing Subsidized Childcare Access

NMECA supports policies that ensure all families, particularly those relying on childcare assistance, have access to consistent, uninterrupted subsidized early care and education services.

 

Priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session

 

Expanding Quality Childcare and Strengthening the Workforce

• Increase funding and availability of high-quality childcare services.

• Advocate for higher wages for early childhood professionals to support retention and workforce stability.

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State Budget and Investment in Early Childhood Education

• Support a 5% increase to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) General Fund Budget.

• Ensure that all revenue from the Early Childhood Trust Fund is directed toward services for children ages 0-5.

• Ensure all Pre-K funding is directed to home and community based providers before public schools are funded.

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Childcare Infrastructure and Financial Support

• Advocate for loan forgiveness programs for childcare infrastructure costs.

• Support legislation that protects NM PreK slots for home- and community-based providers to maintain diverse early learning options.

• Ensure that NM PreK funding prioritizes community-based providers by clarifying the grant awarding process.

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Paid Family and Medical Leave for Childcare Providers

• Support funding to ensure childcare providers receive necessary financial resources to fully implement the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.

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