New Mexico to invest more in early pre-K pilot project

New Mexico will invest another $3.5 million in its early pre-kindergarten program.

Officials with the state Children, Youth and Families Department announced Friday that unused pre-K funds will be funneled to the early education effort.

The pilot program began last summer. It provides early childhood education opportunities to 3-year-olds who are not eligible for the New Mexico Pre-K program.

Officials said with the additional funding, the early pre-K program will be able to reach nearly 1,000 children in childcare centers in about half of New Mexico’s counties.

Under the program, services will be available at seven centers in Eddy, Lea, Luna, Santa Fe and Torrance counties. The extra funding also allows for expanded operations in Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Rio Arriba, San Juan and Valencia counties.