Rooted to Rise: Expanding Child Care, Elevating Educators
2026 NMECA Annual Conference
August 28-29, 2026 | Embassy Suites Albuquerque
Early childhood professionals across New Mexico are carrying some of the most important work in our state: caring for young children, supporting families, leading programs, building teams, and helping shape the future of child care. The 2026 NMECA Annual Conference is where that work comes together.
Join the New Mexico Early Childhood Association for two days of learning, leadership, connection, and practical support designed for the people strengthening early childhood every day.
Early bird registration is available through July 19.
Two Days of Learning
Attend Friday, Saturday, or both.
Leadership Focused Friday
Built for owners, directors, administrators, and program leaders.
Team Focused Saturday
Practical professional development for educators and staff.
500+ EC Professionals
Connect with peers, partners, and leaders from across New Mexico.
A Critical Moment for Early Childhood in New Mexico
New Mexico is the first state in the nation to implement Universal Child Care, a historic step that has expanded access for families and created new opportunities across the early childhood system.
Now, as access grows, the next challenge is ensuring that care remains high quality, sustainable, and supported across every part of the field, including licensed child care centers, home visiting programs, early intervention providers, and the professionals who serve children and families every day.
Early childhood leaders and educators need more than information. They need practical tools, trusted connections, strong peer networks, and space to talk honestly about what it takes to sustain programs, support staff, and strengthen services during this time of growth.
That is what this conference is built for. Rooted to Rise is about honoring the foundation early childhood professionals have already built, while preparing together for the future of early childhood in New Mexico.
Choose Your Conference Experience
Friday, August 28: Leadership Day
Designed for owners, directors, administrators, and early childhood leaders.
Friday will focus on the realities of leading child care programs in a rapidly changing environment. Sessions and discussions will address timely challenges facing programs, leadership needs, business sustainability, and opportunities for growth.
Friday is ideal for:
- Center owners
- Program directors
- Administrators
- Leadership teams
- Licensed home providers
- Early childhood partners supporting program growth
Saturday, August 29: Professional Development Day Day
Designed for your full team.
Saturday will offer practical sessions for early childhood professionals who want fresh ideas, useful strategies, and inspiration they can bring back to their classrooms and programs. Topics will include classroom management, outdoor learning, loose parts play, program environment, and more.
Saturday is ideal for:
- Teachers
- Assistant teachers
- Classroom teams
- Home visitors
- Early intervention partners
- Students interested in Early Childhood
- Early childhood professionals at every stage
Programming Designed for the Work You are Doing Now
This year’s agenda brings together leadership conversations, practical classroom strategies, professional development, and statewide connection.
Conference sessions will support early childhood professionals as they navigate growth, strengthen programs, support educators, and respond to the changing needs of children and families in New Mexico.
Explore sessions focused on:
- Leadership and program sustainability
- Expansion and growth opportunities
- Classroom management
- Outdoor learning
- Loose parts play
- Educator support and professional development
- Early childhood partnerships and resources
- Building stronger systems for children and families
Learn from Leaders, Practitioners, and Partners Who Understand Early Childhood
Paige Abrams
Paige has worked in early childhood education since 1991 as a NM PreK Consultant, teacher, and mentor. Through Wemagination, she supports educators with joyful, hands-on learning experiences rooted in Loose Parts, creativity, independence, and problem-solving, helping children and adults learn by doing in meaningful and relevant ways.
Yolanda Borrás
Yolanda Borrás is a Dominican educator, author, teacher trainer, and speaker with over 30 years in early childhood education. Founder of I’m Bilingual!® Languages Through Music, she creates award-winning Spanish curriculum, music, and workshops that help educators support language development through music, movement, culture, and joyful learning.
Sarah Candelaria
Sarah Candelaria is the Founder and Executive Director of Nature Niños, a New Mexico nonprofit connecting youth and families to nature, culture, and public lands. With experience in early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, and outdoor equity advocacy, she creates inclusive, trauma-informed outdoor experiences that strengthen families and inspire young conservation leaders.
Sondra Carpenter
Valerie Cervantes
Valerie Cervantes is the Early Childhood Instructional Coach Coordinator at Central Region Educational Cooperative. She is passionate about Practice-Based Coaching and using the CLASS tool to strengthen teacher-student interactions and support meaningful learning. Valerie is committed to helping educators build effective practices that create engaging, responsive early childhood environments.
Sam Hufnagel
Sam Hufnagel serves the ABQ metro area and surrounding rural and tribal communities as an LCSW. He provides Early Intervention services and through his private practice, Collaborative Counseling 505, works individually with families and provides consultation and reflective practices to early childhood programs/professionals. Sam is IMH endorsed, trained in CPP, ACT and COS-P and COS-C
Sharron Krull
Sharron Krull is an inspiring early childhood educator, trainer, author, and consultant with more than 50 years of experience supporting children, families, and teachers. Through Play Power and Discount School Supply, she shares practical, developmentally appropriate activities that help children move, play, learn, and thrive.
Jennifer McCarville
Jennifer is the founder and director of Marvelously Made School and the Save Childhood Movement. A sought-after speaker and play advocate, she shares expertise in child development, parenting, and best educational practices. Her work helps educators and families protect childhood, honor children’s needs, and create meaningful learning experiences for all.
Dylan Meier
Dylan Meier is the marketing manager for Community Playthings. At Community Playthings, we believe every child deserves a thoughtfully designed learning environment. For more than 75 years, we have partnered with educators to create beautiful, durable, and child-centered spaces.
Regina Miller
Regina is the owner of award-winning Trailblazers Academy in Wichita, Kansas, and R. Miller Consulting LLC. With over 47 years in early childhood education and 37 years in leadership, she is a national speaker, mentor, trainer, author, and advocate known for inspiring purposeful leadership and quality education.
Barbara Tedrow
Barbara Tedrow is the owner and CEO of A Gold Star Academy and serves as President of the New Mexico Early Childhood Association (NMECA). With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, she is a nationally recognized speaker, advocate, consultant, and business leader dedicated to expanding high-quality child care.
Register by July 19 to Save!
Early bird registration is open through July 19, 2026. You'll save 10% on your conference registration.
Plus, you can save even more by being a NMECA member. Ready to join? Visit our Membership Application.
- Full Conference (Friday & Saturday)
- NMECA Member: $325
- Not Yet a Member: $470
- Friday Leadership Day
- NMECA Member: $225
- Not Yet A Member: $295
- Saturday Professional Development Day
- NMECA Member: $175
- Not Yet A Member: $245