Remote learning creates new needs for New Mexico families

SANTA FE -- Two state agencies are partnering with state Regional Education Cooperatives to help families find the child care and supervision they need for school reentry during this pandemic year.

The New Mexico Public Education and Early Childhood Education and Care departments along with the Regional Education Cooperatives have prepared this digital flier with links to updated child-care information, including:

• A database of child-care options, searchable by county, ZIP code or school district;
• Information about how child care centers are staying safe;
• Eligibility information for child care assistance and an online application form;
• Information on how to become a temporary child care provider for friends, family and neighbors.

Families can also call Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-691-9067 or visit ECECD’s “Am I Eligible?” site to apply directly for child care assistance.

“To those needing child care or supervision, you are not on your own. We’re working hard to determine the extent and geography of those needs and to match families with qualified providers,” said ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky.

Schools that have already opened are teaching remotely through Labor Day, when the state will begin phasing in a hybrid model in which students study remotely on some days and in the classroom on others.

“New Mexico families that never needed child care before may need it now due to remote learning. Through this partnership, the state is helping solve that problem so children get the supervision or care they need at any age,” said PED Secretary Ryan Stewart.

“Child care is the backbone of our economy and it is critical that families have the information and resources they need to navigate these challenging times,” said Andrea Fletcher, project lead for the Regional Education Cooperatives.