Revisiting Erica Gallegos - "Building Blocks of Care" episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 24, 2026 · 59 MIN

Revisiting Erica Gallegos - "Building Blocks of Care"

from Sticky Note Conversations · host Erika Washington

Join host Erika Washington in conversation with Erica Gallegos, co-director of the Childcare for Every Family Network, as they discuss the 12-year fight to pass New Mexico's groundbreaking constitutional amendment for universal childcare and early education.In this powerful episode, Erica Gallegos shares her journey from childcare provider making $12.50/hour to becoming a leading organizer who helped secure funding for birth-through-12 education in New Mexico. They explore the racist history of childcare, why providers aren't recognized as teachers, and the legislative battles that required organizing parents, providers, and communities to change the system.(00:00) - Introduction (04:49) - New Mexico's Constitutional Amendment Victory (05:53) - Why Childcare Providers Aren't Considered Teachers (09:26) - The 12-Year Fight at the Legislature (14:16) - Becoming an Organizer (16:54) - Albuquerque and New Mexico Culture (20:54) - Family History and Lineage (31:45) - Decolonizing the Mind (37:13) - Childcare for Every Family Network (41:04) - Community Care and Parenting (47:23) - Democracy and the American Dream (50:44) - Rest, Joy, and Breaking Generational Trauma (57:55) - Closing Thoughts

Join host Erika Washington in conversation with Erica Gallegos, co-director of the Childcare for Every Family Network, as they discuss the 12-year fight to pass New Mexico's groundbreaking constitutional amendment for universal childcare and early education.In this powerful episode, Erica Gallegos shares her journey from childcare provider making $12.50/hour to becoming a leading organizer who helped secure funding for birth-through-12 education in New Mexico. They explore the racist history of childcare, why providers aren't recognized as teachers, and the legislative battles that required organizing parents, providers, and communities to change the system.(00:00) - Introduction (04:49) - New Mexico's Constitutional Amendment Victory (05:53) - Why Childcare Providers Aren't Considered Teachers (09:26) - The 12-Year Fight at the Legislature (14:16) - Becoming an Organizer (16:54) - Albuquerque and New Mexico Culture (20:54) - Family History and Lineage (31:45) - Decolonizing the Mind (37:13) - Childcare for Every Family Network (41:04) - Community Care and Parenting (47:23) - Democracy and the American Dream (50:44) - Rest, Joy, and Breaking Generational Trauma (57:55) - Closing Thoughts

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Revisiting Erica Gallegos - "Building Blocks of Care"

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This episode was published on January 24, 2026.

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Join host Erika Washington in conversation with Erica Gallegos, co-director of the Childcare for Every Family Network, as they discuss the 12-year fight to pass New Mexico's groundbreaking constitutional amendment for universal childcare and early...

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