It takes a village
Early Childhood Education Programs Early Learning programs in Taos serve young children from birth to age 5 and their families. Home visiting and Early Head Start services can also start prenatally to make sure that parents receive good prenatal care and are ready to support their newborns. Early learning services provide a range of learning experiences for infants, toddlers and preschoolers to make sure they develop and learn, and are ready for school when they enter kindergarten. Children with developmental delays and disabilities are supported through the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program and Early Childhood Special Education, at home or in their classroom setting. Early learning services also help parents know how they can best support their child’s development with daily learning opportunities. Early learning services in New Mexico are administered by the Public Education Department, Children, Youth & Families Department, and the Department of Health and utilize a range of state and federal funding sources. 12
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One such resource is Paso a Paso, which is a community network that supports early learning programs in Taos and western Colfax counties. Its roots go back more than 20 years when a group of Taos early childhood professionals – some of whom remain active in Paso today – got together to assist families in the transition from early intervention programs to kindergarten. Today, the Paso a Paso Network works to improve outcomes in all areas of early childhood education and care. Network members represent one or more of four sectors: Early Care and Education; Family Support Services; Early Intervention and Special Rights; and Health and Behavioral Health. Paso a Paso bridges the gap between these organizations, integrating them into stronger, more flexible and effective structures by merging resources and systems to advance a collective mission. The result is improved efficiency among organizations and greater access, availability, and quality of services for families with young children.
Paso a Paso Some previous initiatives include: • First Steps Home Visiting • Children’s Trust Fund – Taos Loves Kids • Nurturing Center at Enos Garcia Elementary School • Imagination Library We currently have seven working committees: • Policy and Communication Committee • 2020 Early Childhood Census Committee • Taos Early Childhood Alliance • Taos Pueblo Early Learning Committee • Partnering in Children’s Success • Collaborative Leadership Institute
Shared Professional Development
Paso a Paso initiatives help professionals develop innovative programs for families; improve practices; build and recruit the early childhood workforce; advocate for resources; and educate the community on the critical importance of the early childhood years. Paso a Paso’s target population includes its members and the children and families they serve; front-line staff including educators; developmental and infant mental health specialists; family therapists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, home visitors, and community health workers.
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