Early childhood department hires new head of Indigenous education

December 6—A longtime early childhood educator and member of the Navajo Nation will serve as the next assistant secretary for Native American education for the New Mexico Department of Early Childhood Care and Education.

Cotillion Sneddy will be consulting with nations, tribes and peoples across the state as the department aims to give indigenous communities, languages ​​and cultures a higher priority, according to a Monday news release. The agency has already called for increased investment in tribal programs for next year.

Sneddy will succeed Jovanna Archuleta, who served in the role for the department’s first two years.

Early Childhood Care and Education Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said in the press release that “Sneddy’s broad and varied education and experience in Native American early education is a great asset to ECECD as we look to advance in the goals and priorities of the 23 tribes, peoples and nations of New Mexico”. and create culturally and linguistically responsive early care and education opportunities for Native American families and young children.”

Groginsky stressed the need for intergovernmental collaboration during a budget presentation Monday before the Legislative Education Study Committee.

The agency’s strategic plan, which outlines its goals through 2027, lists six main goals, including improving relations with tribes, building an indigenous early childhood education workforce, and expanding culturally and linguistically diverse programs.

Groginsky…