Elizabeth Groginsky | https://www.governor.state.nm.us/early-childhood-education-care-department/
This week, the state of New Mexico made an announcement regarding the largest-ever expansion of PreK programs in the state. This initiative will result in an increase of over 3,000 students benefiting from PreK education, including more than 550 new PreK slots specifically allocated for tribes, nations, and pueblos according to a press release.
"Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops in their first five years of life," New Mexico Cabinet Secretary for Early Childhood Education Elizabeth Groginsky.
In a July 19 press release, the state of New Mexico revealed the largest-ever expansion of PreK programs in the state that will benefit over 3,000 students, with an allocation of more than 550 new PreK slots specifically dedicated to tribes, nations, and pueblos. To fund this initiative, nearly $100 million from the Land Grant Permanent Fund was utilized, as approved by the state Legislature during the 2023 session. The Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) distributed a total of 279 PreK grants to 84 school district programs and 195 community-based programs, family childcare providers, Tribal governments, and Head Start grantees. This financial support will also enable a significant increase in instructional hours and enhanced compensation for PreK teachers within the selected programs.
According to a press release, Early Childhood Education & Care Department Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said, “Improving access to New Mexico PreK, a high-quality, voluntary, and free program, for thousands of three- and four-year-olds across our state will ensure positive health, developmental, and educational outcomes for our youngest residents.”
The nearly $100 million the state invested will go towards enhancing compensation for all PreK teachers by introducing an improved per-child rate, leading to a $50,000 starting wage. Moreover, the initiative aims to increase instructional hours for more than 16,000 students aged 3 and 4. Additionally, the funding will support the establishment of 554 new Tribal PreK slots, benefiting communities across the Navajo Nation, To’Hajiilee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, and for the first time, utilizing state-supported PreK for the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Pueblo of Nambe. Future funding is also planned for The Pueblo of Tesuque this year according to a press release.
“We needed a stronger family-centered, high-quality, universal early care and education system – and we are delivering. Today is a major step in securing universal PreK access for four-year-olds and a huge leap in access for three-year-olds in our state. Today, we are leading the nation in creating lasting, generational opportunities for New Mexico families and young children,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said, according to a press release.
