The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is one of the most recognized milestones in early childhood education. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) supports early childhood educators working toward their CDA. Qualified applicants may receive a payment voucher covering the CDA Assessment fee. Who can apply? Early childhood educators in New […]
Tricia Heffelfinger knew her calling at 13, when she started babysitting a three-year-old and realized early childhood was where she belonged, and three-year-olds were her niche. Decades later, she’s the Assistant Director at Alpha School Inc. in Las Cruces. “Prior to these types of programs, I had to leave private child care because of pay,” […]
New Mexico’s early childhood educators do important work. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) wants to make sure they’re paid fairly and have real chances to grow in their careers. In the 2025-26 program year, through 10 support programs, 3,747 early childhood professionals tapped into scholarships, pay incentives, and professional development […]
Early childhood educators across New Mexico are building their careers with support from the ECECD Scholarship and Pay Incentive Programs. Behind every applicant is a dedicated team to help educators through the process, including Hannah, who guides educators from their first questions through graduation. Her mission is simple: “By empowering educators, we’re not just supporting […]
The New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children (NMAEYC) Conference is New Mexico’s largest annual gathering focused on early childhood education, bringing together over 1,000 educators and leaders from across the state for two days of learning, connection, and professional development. We’re excited to be part of this year’s conference and invite you […]
New Mexico’s youngest children deserve experienced educators — and those educators deserve fair pay. The Infant Toddler Pay Parity Program, offered by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) and administered by CNM Ingenuity, was created to help close the wage gap between infant toddler educators and public school teachers with similar […]
For Alyssa Walker, beginning her education career, and her own educational journey, at San Jon Elementary School in the historic Route 66 town of San Jon, New Mexico, has been especially meaningful. “Now I get to teach in the same place where my path truly began,” she said. A first-generation college student, Alyssa walked across […]
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), in partnership with CNM Ingenuity, supports new and experienced early childhood education professionals to help them obtain their Early Childhood certificates or degrees. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must enroll in a New Mexico college or university before applying. Click here to see a list of participating […]
Alysha M. Ramos always knew she was meant to work with children, but it wasn’t until she became a single parent that she stepped fully into that calling. “I needed to make an important choice because I was on my own,” she recalled. That decision led her into early childhood education, first with toddlers in […]
Valeria Holloway’s journey through the field of early childhood education is like a powerful river, fed and strengthened by multiple streams of New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) programs. Each program flows into the river, creating a stronger, more dynamic current, enriching early childhood professionals’ skills and knowledge at every bend. From […]
