Early literacy plays a critical role in children’s brain development before age five. It builds vocabulary, self-expression, and reading comprehension, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning and reading success.
Strengthening early literacy, the Public Education Department and Early Childhood Education and Care Department implement the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant. The initiative improves pre-literacy skills among children under age five and helps more students meet the state’s language and literacy standards. It also equips families and educators with high-quality instructional materials, training on their use, and essential classroom literacy resources.
Children from birth to age three benefit from the grant through:
- Early Head Start programs
- Family Infant Toddler programs
- Home Visiting programs
- Licensed Child Care providers
Meanwhile, children ages three to five benefit through:
- NM PreK programs
- Head Start programs
- 619 Special Education Classrooms
- Licensed Child Care providers
Eligible programs and providers must submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2026. Applicants can access the application through this link. Those who already submitted an application do not need to apply again.
Grant Materials and Resources
Approved birth-to-age-three programs will receive Just Right Reader Board Books to share with the families they serve. The research-based books nurture language development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness among babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Approved programs serving children ages three to five will receive a comprehensive literacy support package including:
- Just Right Reader Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs™ for each child in your program
- Heggerty phonological and phonemic awareness materials and professional development sessions
- Strive for Five Conversations, a tool to increase vocabulary, reasoning, and comprehension by engaging children in responsive conversations
- Scholastic Cozy Corner materials that support oral language, literacy, and social-emotional skills
The program will deliver all materials in Fall 2026.
Early literacy cultivates self-confidence, encourages independence, and supports personal growth. It prepares children to navigate the world, make informed decisions, and contribute actively to society.
Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a leading researcher who works with schools around the world, said, “It’s so, so, so important that we help every child or as many children as we can, which we do know is almost every child, become a skillful reader.”
Early Education Gains Momentum in New Mexico
Enrollment of 3- and 4-year-olds in New Mexico early education continues to grow. This progress reflects the state’s commitment to supporting young learners as they begin their academic journey. A recent report highlights efforts to expand access to early education for more families.
New Mexico ranks seventh in the nation for preschool access among 3-year-olds, according to a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research dubbed “State of Preschool 2025 Yearbook.” The report also ranks the state 11th nationwide for access among 4-year-olds.
New Mexico ranked fifth nationally in state spending per child. The state exceeded the national average and outspent many larger and wealthier states.
Efforts to Boost Early Childhood Education
Meanwhile, the state has set a goal to ensure children receive the support they need. To strengthen those efforts, the Higher Education Department has allocated millions of dollars to establish projects in select schools and improve childcare facilities.
The department announced $10 million in new investments to expand child care infrastructure on five college and university campuses statewide. The funding is intended to bolster support for students, families, and campus communities.
The grants will help to create and expand childcare facilities serving students, families, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities, HED said.
