The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) announced that it has hired Lela Wendell to serve as Director of the Policy, Research, and Quality Initiatives Division.
In this role, Wendell will lead the department’s policy and research efforts, continue to improve the collection and analysis of early childhood data in New Mexico, administer the quality improvement and rating system for child care providers, and continue to expand degree, credential, and professional development supports for early childhood professionals.
“Lela brings a deep and diverse set of skills, expertise, and experience to the ECECD executive leadership team,” ECECD Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said. “Lela will be instrumental in advancing the state’s initiatives to improve the quality of early childhood programs and services for families, young children, and the people who care for and educate them. I am thrilled she chose to come back home to help us build a world-class prenatal to five system for New Mexicans.”