CSLEC

The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood

CSLEC

The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood

Early science learning transforms futures

The CSLEC is a coalition of professionals, family and community members, and like-minded civic organizations dedicated to connecting young children and families with STEAM* early learning experiences. We believe in the power of early science learning to close opportunity and achievement gaps.

Our work helps bring more STEAM opportunities to our state’s next great (and growing) minds by building systems and networks that increase access to early STEAM learning opportunities.

*science, technology, engineering, art, and math

Explora is an innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque

Early science learning transforms futures

Decorative image of a young child playing with bubbles.

Early science learning transforms futures

The CSLEC is a coalition of professionals, family and community members, and like-minded civic organizations dedicated to connecting young children and families with STEAM* early learning experiences. We believe in the power of early science learning to close opportunity and achievement gaps.

Our work helps bring more STEAM opportunities to our state’s next great (and growing) minds by building systems and networks that increase access to early STEAM learning opportunities.

*science, technology, engineering, art, and math

Explora is an innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque

Early science learning transforms futures

The CSLEC is a coalition of professionals, family and community members, and like-minded civic organizations dedicated to connecting young children and families with STEAM* early learning experiences. We believe in the power of early science learning to close opportunity and achievement gaps.

Our work helps bring more STEAM opportunities to our state’s next great (and growing) minds by building systems and networks that increase access to early STEAM learning opportunities.

*science, technology, engineering, art, and math

Decorative image of a very young child interacting with blocks and water

Decorative photo of a child and an adult at a table both interacting with a science exhibit.

Decorative image of two children interacting with a science exhibit with a parent looking on in the background.

2025 Summit for Early Science Learning

2024 Summit for Early Science Learning

November 7 & 8, 2025

Please join us for the Summit for Early Science Learning on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Explora, hosted by the Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood. Spanish interpretation will be available. Attendees will receive a swag bag with STEAM materials to use in their classrooms. Breakfast, lunch and a training certificate will also be provided. Register for the Summit here.

To inquire about a registration fee waiver or a travel stipend, please email Victoria Roanhorse at cslec@explora.us.

Fill out an interest form for sessions to present.

Check back here soon, for detailed session descriptions and agenda for this year's Summit!

Register for the
2025 Summit!

What We Do

We help create a bright future for New Mexico’s infants, young children, and families through STEAM.

The CSLEC brings community leaders together to build systems and create STEAM early learning opportunities for infants, young children, and families. Our mission is to close opportunity and achievement gaps, partnering with early childhood professionals, public schools, community-based child care providers, non-profit organizations, health sciences organizations, libraries, higher education institutions, and municipal representatives.

Our Structure

The CSLEC is a cross-sector coalition. Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque serves as the CSLEC’s backbone organization. Our Leadership Council guides our strategic planning and evaluation, and our Director focuses on outreach, communication, coordination, and collaboration at the local level.

Our Working Groups:

Decorative image of an adult with a very young child both holding balls

Early Childhood Professional Development (PD) Working Group

This group connects families and educators to existing professional development opportunities, identifying needs in our systems, and supporting early childhood professional development projects.

Decorative image of very young children interacting together with a water science exhibit

Brillante Early Learning Center Working Group

This is the advisory team for Explora’s Brillante Early Learning Center, a new early learning and care center and hub for early childhood workforce development planned for downtown Albuquerque.