STATE News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) began distributing “starter packs” of personal protective equipment (PPE) Wednesday to early childhood personnel serving other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These packets include face shields (for taking children’s temperatures), surgical masks, and gloves; the size of the packets depends on the size and type of child care setting (e.g. home or center). The equipment will reach more than 1,100 facilities, staffed by more than 3,000 early childhood professionals, serving more than 7,500 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
Fifteen volunteer team leaders from across the state are helping distribute PPE to child care centers and homes throughout their regions – a true team effort.
Distribution
Wednesday, with the help of more than a dozen volunteers, including members of the Kiwanis Club, ECECD staff distributed packets at the Maloof facility in Albuquerque. The team will do the same noon to 3 p.m., today, Thursday, April 23 at 3401 Pan American Freeway NE 87107.
Providers may drive up to the front of the building and staff will be available; the ECECD team will be wearing masks and gloves and can either load materials in providers’ trunks or leave car-side.
April 21, ECECD also mailed packets to Gallup, Farmington and Socorro. The Department has assigned regional leads who will be in touch with local providers regarding distribution.
In Las Cruces, the UNM Hub will assist with distribution and pickup 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 23 and 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 24, at UNM Early Childhood Services Center HUB 301 S. Church Street Las Cruces, NM. Curbside pickup will be available on the north side of the building; providers can look for signage with a number to call upon arrival.
UNM is also delivering PPE to the other 5 counties (Otero, Lincoln, Luna, Grant, and Hidalgo) in the south – and is contacting providers directly in those areas for pickup and/or delivery.
Thermometers
ECECD and DOH have located a vendor who can supply large quantities of no-touch thermometers for child care centers that remain open to serve essential personnel. ECECD is working through the purchase process as quickly as possible.
Child Face Coverings
Many centers have already made child-sized face coverings. In addition, ECECD is in the process of acquiring 5000 more – and will distribute them as soon as possible.
Providers Interested in Helping with PPE Distribution
If providers would like to help lead PPE distribution in their areas, they may email child.care@state.nm.us.
