Across New Mexico, early childhood coalitions bring families, child care providers, home visitors, and local leaders to the same table to name what their community needs — and then build it. Since FY22, ECECD has funded these local coalitions to create early childhood systems that are more cohesive, more equitable, and more effective — coordinating a full continuum of family-driven, community-based, high-quality prenatal-to-five programs and services that families in every corner of the state can actually reach.

That work looks different in every community. It includes:

• Getting the word out about early childhood services through coalition websites, newsletters, email blasts, community meetings, radio, and local news
• Connecting families to home visiting and other early childhood programs
• Improving access to healthcare, including behavioral health
• Supporting new providers who want to start a child care business
• Creating school readiness kits and videos for families
• Developing after-school programs
• Training community members in First Aid and CPR
• Showing up at town council meetings, county commission meetings, and other public meetings to understand local issues and advocate for children and families
• Launching local family leadership councils so parents can become stronger advocates for early childhood policy and program change

…and much more.