“Acknowledging and celebrating the Paso a Paso Network with all that has been and done, with the leadership and groundbreaking work that set the foundation for early childhood coalition work in New Mexico. At the same time, building upon the history and being willing to innovate and understanding the role that Paso a Paso can play now – what is the need among providers, professionals, and community that we can aim to fulfill?” — Network Member
September 2022 Community Needs Assessment.
Paso a Paso’s Needs Assessment paired family and provider input with local and state level data to provide a basis to help the Network identify opportunity areas to strengthen and inform strategic goals. Family voice, community engagement, membership engagement, and equity were top priorities during the implementation of the Needs Assessment. The Needs Assessment is also timely with the Constitutional Amendment 1, Land Grant Permanent Distribution for Early Childhood Education Amendment on the ballot in November 20221; and state appropriations addressing the Martinez/Yazzie v. New Mexico court decision.2
Summary
Child care infrastructure and early childhood system needs are at the epicenter of current economic recovery, educational equity, and social justice in a field where the workforce is predominantly women of color. Having a deep, data-informed understanding of the field’s impact, availability, affordability, efficacy, and workforce needs is necessary to inform advocacy and planning. The Needs Assessment can be utilized as a tool for advocacy, policy change, and systems change so all families – and early childhood programs and professionals – in our county, and in our state, can thrive.
*This is a living document and may be subject to change per the Network.
“The greatest innovations often come not from brainstorms in isolation, but from connecting existing ideas in new ways.” – Jack Shonkoff, Center on the Developing Child