Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2025
CONTACT
Julia Sclafani
Public Relations Specialist
Email: julia.sclafani@ececd.nm.gov
Mobile: (505) 699–5937
1120 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Parents & caregivers of kids 0-5 invited to share feedback on programs
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) invites parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 to participate in the fourth annual Family Engagement and Satisfaction Survey, at NextStepsNM.org.
The survey collects feedback on program effectiveness, accessibility, and community needs to improve early childhood programs and strengthen support for families across New Mexico.
“The voices of parents and caregivers are essential in shaping early childhood programs that truly meet the needs of New Mexico families,” said ECECD Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “This survey gives families the opportunity to share the good, the bad, and the barriers they face so we can continue to build the high-quality, family-centered prenatal-to-5 system New Mexico deserves.”
Findings from previous surveys (2022- 2024):
- New Mexico PreK grew from 72% to 86%.
- Child care service usage increased from 51% to 72%.
- Preschool program participation rose from 47% to 62%.
- 89% of families reported well-being from early childhood programs (up from 85%).
The confidential survey takes 10-15 minutes, is available in English and Spanish, and offers a $10 gift card upon completion. Community organizations will provide outreach support and one-on-one assistance to survey participants.
To get started, or to learn more information, visit https://nextstepsnm.org/.
Project ECHO at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center administers the survey in partnership with the state. Through professional education and learning, Project ECHO supports local community providers, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to improve the well-being of families in New Mexico and beyond.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham launched the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2020, making New Mexico among the first states to consolidate all early childhood programs and services under a single cabinet-level agency. Under this administration, ECECD has led the nation by expanding access to free New Mexico PreK, overseeing the largest investment in early childhood infrastructure in state history, and implementing cost-free child care for a majority of New Mexico families. Learn more about how ECECD supports children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities at nmececd.org. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as @NewMexicoECECD.