Thousands of underserved children will be able to attend kindergarten in the state thanks to a partnership between the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) and education nonprofit Waterford.org, which will receive $3 million to help young students.
“This specific target in our investments in Waterford will support children. Again, not in a preschool, not in Head Start,” Jovanna Archuleta, assistant secretary for Native American Early Education and Care, said.
The curriculum will be centered on students learning in a physical setting, but students and parents will be able to utilize lessons through a provided computer, KRQE said.
According to its website, Waterford is "a school readiness program that teaches preschool-age children basic skills they need in reading, math, and science. With funds made available by the legislature and allocated to ECECD, additional early learning providers have an opportunity to participate at no cost."
“Waterford was introduced into our state at a time when New Mexico families needed it the most,” ECECD cabinet secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said. “During school closures, children, educators, and families have had access to continued learning using Waterford’s interactive curriculum, which supports family engagement, a key value of ECECD.”
State Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo) said she has supported the program since 2018.
"I’m excited about this opportunity to expand Waterford Upstart in the state and am proud to be able to work in collaboration with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her administration to reduce by 20% the number of children who do not receive early education services,” Stewart said.