Cibola County in New Mexico is set to benefit significantly from the historic expansion of early childhood education services announced by the New Mexico Governor's Office. This groundbreaking initiative, undertaken in collaboration with four tribal governments, aims to bolster and extend pre-K programs, including the To’Hajiilee Chapter of Navajo Nation located within Cibola County.
Cotillion Sneddy, the Early Childhood and Education and Care Department Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Education and Care, stated that To’Hajiilee Community School will receive funding for 20 Extended (1080 hours/year) pre-K slots as part of this expansion.
Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities to every threeand four-year-old children for high-quality early childhood education, irrespective of their geographical location. The partnerships with tribal governments are seen as crucial in achieving this goal. The Governor further stressed that an essential aspect of these agreements is their flexibility, ensuring that tribal sovereignty is respected, and cultures and languages are preserved through these programs.
The initiative's success lies in the Intergovernmental Agreement, which allows individual tribes, pueblos, and nations to tailor the pre-K curriculum and standards to best meet the unique needs of their respective communities. This approach fosters cultural preservation and autonomy while providing a high-quality education for young learners.
Cotillion Sneddy expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact on Native American learners, saying, 'This is a major step forward in the State of New Mexico’s efforts to ensure that young Native American learners have equitable access to high-quality, culturally and linguistically relevant early education that has shown to improve school readiness and outcomes for children.'
The expansion of early childhood education services in Cibola County is expected to have far-reaching benefits for families and communities. It will empower parents with greater educational choices for their children and equip the next generation with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
New Mexico's commitment to early childhood education extends beyond tribal collaborations. The state aims to create 3,033 new pre-K slots, extend instructional hours, improve compensation for pre-K teachers, and achieve universal pre-K access for four-year-olds.
As Cibola County and other tribal communities play a significant role in this transformation, the state sets is setting a precedent in early childhood education, proving that a collaborative approach can drive positive change and lay the foundation for a brighter future for all.