NM Early Childhood Association

09/15/2026

📸 Relive the fun of the 2026 NMECA Annual Conference!

Whether you joined us in person or want to see what you missed, our conference photo album is now available. Take a look back at the meaningful connections, memorable moments, inspiring sessions, and energy that made this year’s gathering so special.

You are welcome to download and share photos on personal, professional, and organizational channels. We simply ask that images be shared in a way that reflects the spirit of the event and the values of the New Mexico Early Childhood Association.

View the photo album: https://kwconsultingllc.pixieset.com/nmeca2026annualconferencerootedtorise/

Inspired to join us next year? Save the date for the 2027 NMECA Annual Conference, September 24–25 at Embassy Suites Albuquerque!

We can’t wait to bring New Mexico’s early childhood community together again.

Photo collection by KW Consulting LLC Client Event Photos

09/10/2026

The final regulations implementing SB 241 and Universal Child Care have been released. What do they mean for your program and your business?

Join us for an NMECA member-exclusive information session to review the key changes, new requirements and questions providers should bring to ECECD.

Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m.

Not a member yet? Learn more and join today by visiting https://www.nmearlychildhood.org/join-today/

Register here for the info session: https://bit.ly/sept19-nmeca

Join Barbara Tedrow, NEMCA President, for a walk through of the final rules/regulations related to SB 241, Universal Child Care. We will be summarizing the rules to help you understand what it means for your business and taking any questions if time allows.

08/30/2026

AppleTree Educational Center made it to the NMECA Annual Conference! 📆

Our AppleTree crew is enjoying a day of learning, meeting new people, and bringing home some new ideas for our little ones. We’re proud to be a small-town center that’s always looking for ways to learn, grow, and give our kiddos the very best!

08/30/2026

08/28/2026

Day 1 of the Annual Conference is off to a great start!

08/26/2026

Join us on Friday & Saturday at the NMECA Annual Conference. Register now at https://www.nmearlychildhood.org/annual-conference/

08/21/2026

A week from now, hundreds of early childhood professionals will be together at Rooted to Rise. Will you be one of them?

If you’ve been meaning to register for the NMECA Annual Conference, this is your reminder not to miss it.

When you skip a conference like this, you’re not just missing a few sessions. You’re missing:

✨ Ideas you can take back and use with your team right away
🤝 Conversations with people who understand the challenges you face
🎤 Nationally recognized speakers and high-quality professional development
💡 The chance to learn from early childhood professionals across different parts of the field
🛍️ Exhibitors, resources, giveaways and conference-only connections
🌱 Two days focused on helping New Mexico’s early childhood community grow stronger together

And if you wait too long to register, you’ll miss some of the full conference experience.

Regular registration closes Friday, August 21. Those who register by the deadline are guaranteed a printed name badge and attendee swag bag. Registrations received after August 21 will be considered late registrations.

Rooted to Rise only happens once a year. Don’t spend next weekend wishing you had gone.

Register today and join us August 28–29 at Embassy Suites Albuquerque.

https://www.nmearlychildhood.org/annual-conference/

08/18/2026

Join Regina Miller at the 2026 NMECA Conference: August 28 & 29 at Embassy Suites.

Secure your spot at nmearlychildhood.org/annual-conference

08/18/2026

Saturday’s professional development comes with a delicious lunch!

Registration for the NMECA Conference’s Saturday Professional Development Day includes green chile chicken enchiladas paired with borracho beans and Spanish rice.

Lunch is generously sponsored by Just Right Reader, which helps build early literacy and school-readiness skills through books aligned with Early Learning Standards and available in both English and Spanish.

We’ll also hear from Hope Swearingen, Vice President of Partnerships at Just Right Reader, during Saturday’s program.

Come ready to learn, connect, and enjoy a great New Mexico meal. Register for Saturday’s Professional Development Day today!

08/12/2026

Conference attendees will have the chance to win door prizes, including our grand prize: a Flex-Space Jr.® Mobile Book Center from Lakeshore, valued at $999!

This mobile book center can help transform any early childhood classroom into a more inviting, organized, and accessible learning space. Children can easily see and choose their favorite books, while teachers gain flexible storage for books, puppets, storytelling materials, and classroom resources.

A huge thank-you to Lakeshore for donating this incredible prize!

Register for the NMECA Annual Conference today at https://www.nmearlychildhood.org/annual-conference/

All attendees will be entered for a chance to win at Saturday’s closing session.