Everything You Need to Know about Free New Mexico PreK

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Thank you to ABQ Child Care for sponsoring this blog post. ABQ Mom strives to work with brands we feel would benefit our readers.

If you’ve started looking at preschool for your little, you’ve likely run across the term “New Mexico PreK.”

We’ve partnered with one particular New Mexico PreK provider, ABQ Child Care, to answer your questions about this free early childhood education program.

New Mexico PreKWhat is New Mexico PreK and who qualifies?

New Mexico PreK is a free program for all New Mexico children. The qualifications for PreK are that the child must turn 4 years old before September 1st of that current school year. Providers also offer early PreK, in which the child must turn three before September 1st of the school year.

Who offers New Mexico PreK?

You can find New Mexico PreK providers near you through this interactive map. ABQ Child Care has 3 locations that currently offer New Mexico PreK

What will my child learn in a New Mexico PreK program?

New Mexico PreK focuses on school readiness, while also supporting a linguistically and culturally appropriate curriculum. There is a large focus on children being active throughout the day and learning takes place inside and outdoors. There are seven areas of learning:

  • Listening, language, reading, and writing
  • Science
  • Counting, shapes, sorting and measuring
  • Coordination, hygiene, health, and well-being
  • Art, music, and movement
  • Independence, problem-solving, thinking and perseverance
  • Appropriate behavior, social skills and being a part of a group

ABQ Child Care prides itself on parent involvement and field trips for student’s families as much as possible. Recently, they scheduled parents and guardians at different times to enjoy a tea party with their child. They also explore the community. Recently they went on a virtual field trip to Dion’s Pizza that included pizza making.

Are there any other benefits?

Early PreK/PreK hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30AM-3:00PM, and Fridays 8:30AM 11:30AM. ABQ Child Care also offers wrap around care for before and after PreK hours.
All enrolled children receive four free meals daily (breakfast, AM/PM Snack, and lunch).

How do I enroll my child?

Each center that offers PreK has a different enrollment process, but for ABQ Child Care facilities, you can register by applying online on their website www.abqchildcare.com, or going to your desired location and applying in person. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year, so don’t worry–there is no deadline to miss!