The NMAEYC Conference is New Mexico’s largest annual conference on early childhood education. If you’re attending, join us for our session on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 2:15 to 3:15 PM, in the University of New Mexico Student Union Building (UNM SUB), Room Acoma B in Albuquerque. We’re presenting an informative session with Yadira Lorenzoni, Program Coordinator for Early Childhood Networks, and Rin Bernhardt, Coach, ECECD Scholarship and Pay Incentives Programs.

Professional Growth Opportunities with Early Childhood Networks and Pay Incentive Programs (Presentation in Spanish): Discover how Early Childhood Networks support educators through professional development programs and how Scholarship and Pay Incentive Programs help educators advance their education and careers. Ideal for preschool teachers, infant-toddler teachers, directors, and school leaders, this session highlights comprehensive resources to elevate your career in early childhood education.

Also, please say hello to our Early Childhood Networks and ECECD Scholarship and Pay Incentives program teams in the conference hall. We will have two tables to answer questions and offer program guidance.

For conference details, visit the 2025 NMAEYC Conference website.

The Early Childhood Mentor Network is a community of professionals dedicated to mentoring early childhood educators and students throughout New Mexico. Members benefit from professional development and support from a collective of expert peers and leaders.

Fatima Hamad, a Lead Mentor in the Early Childhood Mentor Networks and an Education Consultant with the UNM Early Childhood Services Center, highlighted exciting enhancements to the certification process for mentors. The certification updates have sharpened the program’s methodology, focusing on clear role definitions and the distinction between teaching, mentoring, and coaching. Fatima explained the reason for the content and curriculum changes: “I think our role as mentors has evolved to address specific needs. We’ve set clear expectations for mentors and emphasize the distinct roles of teaching, mentoring, and coaching. This clarity helps mentors approach their roles with an open mind. It’s transformative. Not only does it improve how we support students, but it impacts the mentors themselves.”

Another key change has been the structured goal-setting for mentees. Fatima explained the importance of setting “smart goals” with actionable steps, which allows for measurable progress and targeted guidance. This methodological shift supports mentees in a more structured manner and enhances the mentor’s ability to track and encourage growth effectively.

Reflecting on the impact of these changes, Fatima observes a stark difference in understanding and effectiveness between mentors who recently completed the enhanced course and those from years ago. “This shift has significantly enriched mentorship expectations and outcomes,” she notes, underscoring the success of the revised certification process and its role in enhancing mentor and mentee experiences across the Network.

By joining the Mentor Network, you can access a foundational framework to elevate your leadership and professional skills. This framework ensures that mentors are equipped with the necessary strategies to create a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

Share your knowledge and expertise and help shape the next generation of early childhood educators in New Mexico. Applications open April 1. Learn more about the Mentor Network today.