CSLEC

The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood





CSLEC

The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood




CSLEC The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood logo
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Early science learning transforms futures

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.Decorative image of a young child playing with bubbles.Image
CSLEC The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood logo
CSLEC The Coalition for Science Learning in Early Childhood logo

Early science learning transforms futures

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
ImageImageDecorative image of a young child playing with bubbles.
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.
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Decorative image of two children interacting with a science exhibit with a parent looking on in the background.

2024 Summit for Early Science Learning

2024 Summit for Early Science Learning

August 23 & August 24, 2024

Please join us for the Summit for Early Science Learning on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Explora and the NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 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.

On the evening before the Summit (Friday, August 23, 2024), we also hope you can join us for a reception on  at the Balloon Museum, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm, to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a performance from Baile Folklórico, and to celebrate STEAM learning and early childhood work statewide. RSVP for the reception here.


Click here for detailed session descriptions and agenda for this year's Summit!

Register for the
2024 Summit!

What We Do

What We Do

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

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.
Coalition for Science in Early Childhood organization Chart. Explora is at the top with the logo of the hands and the star with the label Backbone Organization. Its connected with a line to the Brillante Early Learning Center. That is connected to a line with Coalition for Early Science learning in Early Childhood. Connecting to that logo are 4 branches. The branches are: Bernalillo Early Childhood Leadership Council, Families Working Group, Professional Development Working Group and Brillante Planning 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


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Upcoming Events



Upcoming Events

Resources

The largest, longest running online collection of STEM activities for educators and learners.
Visit How To Smile
Free educational materials and professional learning opportunities for educators interested in informal STEM learning.
Visit NISE Network
The Boston Children’s Museum came up with a list of their 100 favorite ways to play.
Visit Boston Children’s Museum
In partnership with How To Smile Explora shares a collection of our favorite activities!
Visit Explora’s Activity Catalog
Did you know…There’s a library in your community where you can borrow toys, educational materials, videos and books for parents and caregivers for FREE?
Visit Toy Lending and Resource Libraries
Research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more!
Visit NAEYC
Science Near Me is a free resource to quickly find opportunities to engage in all types of STEM events, projects, and programs near you, in person and online.
Visit Science Near Me

This work is supported by a grant from the
New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department

New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department logo
UNM College of Education & Human Sciences, Family Development Program logo
New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children logo
UNM Early Childhood Services Center
NM PBS logo
Shining Stars Preschool
UNM 75 Years of Art Education logo
Rude Boy Cookies logo
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum logo
Collaborative Teacher Institute logo
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