Program Details
Degrees and Certificates
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Fast-Track Early Childhood Education Degree
Earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood (Birth-Third Grade) in 18 months through CNM's Fast-Track program.
If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children, the Early Childhood Multicultural Education (ECME) program at CNM is designed for you. New Mexico is a national leader in professional development of early childhood education, offering a clear career path that begins with a 45-hour child care training course and extends to a statewide articulated early childhood associate degree.
Our ECME program includes two degrees and two certificates that are designed for those who are working or would like to work with PreK-3rd grade children. Each of these achievements prepares you for employment in the education system and open doors for career advancement.
Flexibility and support are cornerstones of CNM's Early Childhood Multicultural Education program. Our classes are offered during evenings and weekends, and instruction is available in both English and Spanish. We also provide specialized bilingual advisement to enhance your educational experience and meet your individual needs. If you are interested in an accelerated ECME option, we offer an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood through our Fast-Track program, which can be completed in just 18 months.
Upon completion of the ECME program, you can apply for a one-year Vocational Certificate and Child Development Certificate, both issued by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. If you have questions about the ECME program or are interested in getting started, please reach out to our Education Staff and Faculty.
Paying for School
Financial barriers shouldn't hinder your education, which is why CNM provides a range of resources, including financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Our dedicated Financial Aid and Scholarship staff is here to guide you through the process, helping you secure the funding you need for your degree or certificate.
With competitive tuition rates and support in navigating financial aid options, we’re committed to making your educational goals achievable, without the stress of financial constraints.
Early Childhood Multicultural Education program students are also eligible for special scholarship opportunities, including:
Additional Information for ECME Students
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) saves students time and money on their degree or certificate program at CNM. If you are interested in earning college credit towards the ECME program, please review the ECME CPL Request Form.
- The CNM Early Childhood Multicultural Education program prepares you for transfer to four-year institutions, providing a pathway to further study in early childhood education or related fields.
- Certain ECME courses require you to complete hours in settings outside of the CNM classroom. Field experience hours are designed to give you real-world experience in a setting related to the study of the accompanying course.
- Learn more about the endorsement coursework that is accepted by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).
- Learn more about Crianza at CNM, an early childhood business accelerator designed to support home providers and center-based early childhood educators.
- Ve los cursos y programas que CNM ofrece para hispanoparlante.
Early Childhood Networks (ECN)
The Early Childhood Networks (ECN), administered by CNM Ingenuity, is a collaborative group of early childhood professionals. ECN works to strengthen the links between early childhood programs, educators, and communities; provide learning experiences for the next generation of early childhood educators; and support recruitment and increase retention in the field of early childhood education.
Each of ECN’s networks provides professional development, networking, and support for early childhood educators throughout New Mexico. Participants also receive stipends for their work, with the amount of the stipend varying depending on the network one belongs to and their role in that network.
For detailed information about current programs or to apply to join one or more of the networks, visit the Early Childhood Networks website.