Public Site

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In an effort to ensure ECHO reaches all young children in New Mexico, we encourage community sites such as community centers, nature centers, publicly accessible parks, libraries, or community playgrounds to apply to be either a Demonstration Site or Seed Grant Site. Programs and locations that provide outdoor space that is regularly used by zero- to five-year-old children cared for by Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are welcome to apply.

Publicly accessible sites that serve or attract families with young children are eligible to apply to become ECHO Demonstration Sites if they meet the following minimum criteria :

  • Evidence of serving or potential to attract families with young children, including unlicensed Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) child care providers.
  • Evidence of serving or potential to serve vulnerable children and their families and child care providers.
  • Have a designated entity such as an agency, business, non-profit, dedicated staff, or established volunteers that will serve as the primary caretaker and community connector for the outdoor learning environment.
  • Own or lease current space for at least 5 years into the future.
  • Commit to creating and/or enhancing an outdoor learning environment, including naturalization of the site and gardening on-site.
  • Willing to serve as a demonstration site for others interested in learning about ECHO best practices.

Preference will be given to sites that:

  • Demonstrate a commitment from a community connector or partner agency that will seek to activate and encourage use of the site by the targeted population. If a language other than English is predominately spoken in the area, the agency should demonstrate expertise in communicating with community members in the predominant language.
  • Are accessible to the populations served on a year-round calendar.
  • Are located within walking or biking distance of low-income neighborhoods.
  • Are at or near places that are perceived as safe, or welcoming to, mixed documentation status families.

Publicly accessible sites that serve or attract families with young children are eligible to apply to become ECHO Seed Grant Sites if they meet the following minimum criteria :

  • Evidence of serving or potential to attract families with young children, including Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) child care providers.
  • Evidence of serving or potential to serve vulnerable children and their families and care providers.
  • Have a designated entity such as an agency, business, non-profit, dedicated staff or volunteers that will serve as the primary caretaker and community connector for the outdoor learning environment.
  • Commit to creating and/or enhancing an outdoor learning environment, including naturalization of the site and gardening on-site.

Required commitments for publicly accessible sites:

  • Same as Demonstration Site or Seed Grant Site requirements
  • Ensure there is a committed entity or organization of individuals to ensure implementation and management of the site.