Our History
The New Mexico Early Childhood Association (NMECA) was formerly known as the New Mexico Child Care & Education Association. We are a nonprofit trade association founded in 1995 that now represents licensed child care and education centers, home visiting programs, and FIT providers throughout New Mexico. The association was founded in response to Human Services Department reimbursement rates remaining stagnant for nine years.
The state began giving families more subsidies to afford child care, however, when the cost of living rose, program reimbursement rates did not. Providers weren’t being paid at market prices, so centers began closing their doors.
NMECA was created to serve as the unified voice of the early childhood industry and the professionals that care, educate, and serve the youngest New Mexicans in state legislation.
Today, NMECA continues our advocacy efforts, while also offering professional and leadership development, and opportunities for professionals to collaborate so that all families have access to high-quality child care and the early childhood services they need.
What We Do
Advocacy
We bring together licensed early childhood education, home visiting, and early intervention providers to advocate for policies that support quality care, strong outcomes, and family choice.
We focus on:
- Educating the public and policymakers about early childhood issues
- Representing providers and families during legislative sessions
- Ensuring early childhood voices are part of every decision
We work year-round to make sure the needs of early learning programs and professionals are recognized at the state level.
We also serve as a trusted source for updates on new laws, regulations, and policy changes affecting early childhood providers across New Mexico.
Leadership
We are committed to developing both current and future leaders in early childhood education and care across our state.
We support directors, administrators, and emerging leaders through professional development designed to inform, connect, and inspire. Members can:
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Join monthly peer-learning circles to exchange ideas and real-time solutions
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Participate in targeted webinars and workshops focused on current trends and timely topics
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Attend our annual fall conference built specifically for owners, directors, and rising professionals in early childhood education
We help leaders stay ahead of the curve. Through networking, collaboration, and discussion forums, members:
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Forecast emerging challenges
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Share solutions to operational risks
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Support each other in navigating change
Elevation
We uplift the professionals at the heart of early childhood education and care—those who nurture, teach, and support New Mexico’s youngest children and their families.
We focus on:
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Supporting the wellbeing of early childhood professionals through wellness initiatives and professional care resources
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Promoting and recognizing excellence in early childhood services across all program types
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Connecting members to national organizations to expand learning opportunities, amplify New Mexico’s voice in national discussions, and strengthen alignment with best practices
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Preserving and expanding access to accreditation pathways that uphold high-quality care and education
We believe that when early childhood professionals are supported and celebrated, children, families, and communities thrive. NMECA is here to ensure early childhood professionals in New Mexico are seen, valued, and empowered to grow.