New Mexico Head Start Collaboration Office
Together We Rise: Elevating Collaboration to Drive Change
About Early Head Start and Head Start
Early Head Start and Head Start are federally funded programs that prepare young children to succeed in school and beyond. Programs deliver services to children and families in the core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being, while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. In New Mexico, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) works closely with Head Start programs to support families and strengthen statewide early childhood systems.
Because these programs focus on the whole family, children receive early screenings that can help identify developmental delays, lead exposure, dental needs, health care needs, and mental health supports. Programs also provide nutritious meals and connect families with local community resources.
Head Start Educators
Head Start offers financial and professional development opportunities for educators to gain training in child development, health, nutrition, disabilities, mental health, community resources, and other areas. Parents and former students may also volunteer or pursue a path to become Head Start educators.
Early Head Start Options
Early Head Start provides two program models to meet the needs of families:
- Home Based serves children prenatal to age 3 and is available to working and non-working families.
- Center Based serves children 6 weeks to age 3 and is designed for working families.
Both models support families as children transition to Center Based Head Start when age appropriate. Families in the Home Based option may also transition to Center Based Early Head Start when needed for work or care schedules.
Head Start Preschool Services
Head Start provides preschool services for 3- and 4-year-old children in a Center Based model that prepares them for kindergarten and lifelong learning.
What We Do
Collaboration on behalf of children and families is one of Head Start’s highest priorities. Since 1990, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has awarded Head Start Collaboration Office grants to support multi-agency and public and private partnerships at the state level.
In New Mexico, this work begins at the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD). The purpose of the New Mexico Head Start Collaboration Office is to:
1. Assist in building strong early childhood systems
and expand access to comprehensive services and supports for children and families with low income.
2. Encourage collaboration
between Head Start and other statewide early childhood programs, services, and initiatives.
3. Support New Mexico Head Start programs
as active partners in statewide initiatives that benefit the children and families they serve.
4. Facilitate the involvement of Head Start program
in state policies, plans, processes, and decisions that affect families with low income.
By the Numbers: Head Start Impact in New Mexico
children were served by Head Start and Early Head Start programs across New Mexico in FY24
Tribal Head Start and Early Head Start programs were active in New Mexico in FY24, supported through ECECD’s Head Start State Collaboration Office
Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms were staffed in FY24 with 2,081 teaching professionals
Tangible outcomes from partnerships that strengthen early childhood systems statewide.
Resources
The Head Start Act contains provisions for collaboration grants to each state to facilitate collaboration among Head Start and Early Head Start agencies.
Head Start Collaboration Offices (HSCOs) facilitate partnerships between Head Start agencies and other state entities that provide services to benefit low-income children and their families. HSCOs are awarded funds under Section 642B of the 2007 Head Start Act.
Apply for Head Start Services
Head Start Center Locator
Contact
Casey L. Lafferty, MS ECEd (she/her)
Deputy Division Director, Policy, Research & Quality Initiatives
New Mexico Head Start State Collaboration Director
Email: casey.lafferty@ececd.nm.gov
Stay tuned for future updates from ECECD’s Head Start State Collaboration Director.