CSLEC

The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood

Name: 2023 Summit for Early Science Learning
Start: 2023-09-30
End: 2023-09-30
Location: Explora

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.

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.

A chart showing Explora at the top, then the Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood underneath with a Leadership Council, Brilliant to the left, Summit for early science learning 2022 to the right, and below Professional Development Working Group

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.

Decorative image of a very young child being held up in a jungle gym

Building Science Learning in Early Childhood Summit Working Group

This group plans and hosts our annual professional development summit for early childhood educators each fall.

Want to get involved?

Join the Coalition

Why STEAM?

What We Do

Explore, experiment, create, and play!

STEAM is all about hands-on exploring, which young children do so well! As children learn about the world, STEAM is an excellent guide, helping teachers and caregivers find fun and effective ways to build understanding and vocabulary, and create critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and reflection skills.

Wondering how to integrate STEAM into your time with children? We’re here to help! The CSLEC hosts an annual summit for educators each fall. We also offer trainings, capacity building opportunities, and resources throughout the year to share the fun and power of STEAM.