Contact Information: School of Education Western New Mexico University PO Box 680 Silver City, NM  88062 PHONE: (575)538-6416 FAX: (575)538-6417   WNMU Early Childhood Programs Child Development Center Growing Tree Day Care Center School Age Program Associates of Arts Degree - in Early Care, Education and Family Support La Familia Resource Center Early Childhood Programs Committee Embrace the mission of Western New Mexico University and the conceptual framework of The School of Education.

Purpose The Early Childhood Programs are dedicated to preparing and strengthening the early care, education and family support professions through the advancement of the early care, education and family support lattice, a model for inclusive life long learning. . Guiding Principles New Mexico competencies for early care, education and family support for children age 0-8 provide the foundation for high quality WNMU Early Childhood Programs: Work in cooperation with area agencies and programs to promote high quality services to families and children throughout Southwestern New Mexico. Celebrate diversity through thoughtful and inclusive practices, such as recruitment, staffing, environmental design and professional preparation. Practice proactive leadership by facilitating active participatory decision making through involvement in professional affiliations, community outreach and community activities.

Market Outlook: "The human services field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 1994 and the year 2005 --- ranking among the most rapidly growing occupations."  1994 Occupational Handbook

Associates of Arts Degree       Early Care, Education and Family Support . Courses that maximize opportunities for student thinking and achievement through active, multisensory learning strategies and community service. . . Child Development Center (CDC): The CDC is a program exemplifying a quality experience for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, for the WNMU student population, community and Southwestern New Mexico.       La Familia Resource Center   An Early Care Training and Technical Assistance Outreach Program   La Familia helps child care work for children, families, providers, employers and communities of Southwestern New Mexico by Children, Youth and Families Department.