Join Us at the 2026 NMAEYC Annual Conference

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 […]

Supporting Infant Toddler Educators Through Pay Parity

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 […]

ECECD Scholarship Program: Apply Now for Fall Scholarships 

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 […]

Rippling Streams Forge a Powerful River: Valeria’s Impact on Early Childhood Education in New Mexico

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 […]

Coach Rin

Coach Rin | ECECD Scholarship and Pay Incentive Programs

Rin is a dedicated, bilingual coach passionate about supporting early childhood educators in New Mexico. Through the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Scholarship and Pay Incentive Programs, in collaboration with CNM Ingenuity, Rin helps educators access financial support, including scholarships and pay incentives. Rin’s mission is to ensure educators feel valued and supported […]

Empowering Early Childhood Educators: How the ECECD Scholarship Transforms Lives and Careers 

Rebecca Sandoval is a shining example of perseverance and dedication in early childhood education. A proud member of San Felipe Pueblo, Rebecca used the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD) Scholarship to pursue her educational goals and build a meaningful career. Rebecca graduated with her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood […]

Pay Parity: Supporting Infant-Toddler Teacher Success – Mikal’s Story

Mikal Nih’s journey in early childhood education is fueled by her passion for teaching and learning. As a lead infant toddler teacher at San Juan College Childcare Center in Farmington, she is deeply invested in helping young toddlers grow. “They’re learning to be independent while still wanting hugs and cuddles. It’s the best,” she says, […]

Pay Parity Powers Professional Progress: Aarika’s Journey

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), in partnership with CNM Ingenuity, is dedicated to supporting infant-toddler teachers through scholarship and pay incentive programs and professional development. Initiatives like the Infant Toddler Teacher Pay Parity Program provide essential financial support, enabling infant-toddler educators to advance their careers, pursue further education, and balance […]