UNM-Los Alamos Approved to Offer Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

UNM-Los Alamos received official approval to offer an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, the institution announced Saturday, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for a degree program that Dean of Instruction Brent Pickett, Ph.D., said is already taking shape on campus.

The approval came after a comprehensive review of UNM-LA's proposal, including submitted application materials and a favorable recommendation from the New Mexico Higher Education Advisory Committee. State and institutional governing bodies granted final authorization, clearing UNM-LA to move forward with full implementation.

"We're very pleased that the higher education department has approved our Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education," Pickett said. "This builds on the certificate program and courses we already launched this spring, and it allows our students to take the next step toward a full degree right here at UNM-Los Alamos. Expanding into a complete AA program strengthens our mission to serve our community and directly supports local workforce needs, especially in partnership with Los Alamos Public Schools, who have been a great partner in this effort. This is exciting news for our students, our college and our region."

The new degree is designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood education and related fields while also supporting transfer pathways to four-year institutions. The program's roots are already established: UNM-LA launched a related certificate program and coursework this spring, giving the college a running start on staffing, curriculum structure, and enrollment.

The approval marks what UNM-LA described as an important step in supporting the early childhood workforce across northern New Mexico, a region where qualified childcare and early education professionals remain in high demand.

Prospective students interested in enrolling in early childhood education courses this fall can reach UNM-LA advisors at (505) 662-5919 or unmlainfo@unm.edu.