Let’s Talk New Mexico 2/7 8a: Early childhood is a crucial time for learning and development. It’s on the minds of many lawmakers this session, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared universal pre-K one of her top priorities. But where will funding for those programs come from? And how can the state better coordinate the various services to ensure kids don’t miss out? We’d like to hear from you! Email LetsTalk@kunm.org, tweet us using the #LetsTalkNM hashtag, or call in live during the show.
Guests:
- Hailey Heinz, researcher at UNM Cradle to Career Policy Institute
- Carmella Salinas, Pre-K teacher and OLÉ member
- Katie Wylie, early childhood director at Alta Mira Specialized Family Services
- Diane Denish, former NM lieutenant governor and founder of NM Children's Cabinet
- Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences)
- Rep. Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque)
Learn more:
- UNM Cradle to Career Policy Institute's interactive map of early childcare and education services (2019)
- UNM CCPI's Statewide Home Visiting Capacity data visualization
- The problem with preschool
- Pre-K solutions: How other states did it
The map below shows the locations of licensed child care facilities and their star rating from the state. The highlighted areas show what percentage of children under 18 are living in poverty. Data courtesy of the New Mexico Community Data Collaborative.
