Cuidando Los Nios

Early Childhood Education Services: The Organization provides early childhood education for children six weeks to five years of age whose families are experiencing homelessness at the time of enrollment. The program is rated five-star by the NM Children and Youth and Families Department and is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is open from 7:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. The curriculum is experience-based and structured to support physical, socio-emotional, intellectual and language development with ongoing screenings. Children are fed a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack throughout the day. Immunizations are kept up to date with the assistance of a public health clinic once a month. Transportation is provided daily to approximately half of the children whose parents do not have cars.

Family Support Services: Family case managers work with parents to develop, resource and track accomplishment of family goals. The areas of safe sustainable housing and income support receive immediate attention along with physical and behavioral health needs and education and training programs. Parents who are not enrolled in training or education programs and not working attend a weekly two-hour parent education class. The classes emphasize goals with the themes of parenting skills, wellness and nutrition and life skills. Furthermore, an LSW therapist works regularly with staff, families and in play therapy with children.

Housing Program: Housing case managers work with families experiencing homelessness in order to get them re-housed. Using a housing first model, families are stabilized in rent supported housing and case management services to support families in returning to work, school and other activities in the community.