Child Development Center Renamed After “Grandmother of Early Childhood Development”

Today City leaders, family and fellow educators celebrated Mary Dudley and her dedication to early education by unveiling the Mary Dudley Early Childhood Center. Mary Dudley was a champion for early education throughout her career and believed it was crucial to invest in teachers and child development at the earliest stages of life.

“A strong foundation in our kids’ education is a strong foundation for our city’s future,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Mary Dudley impacted a lot of lives, championing early education, and advocating for Albuquerque’s children and their families, and we will carry her legacy forward.”

Long before there was a focus on early education, Mary worked with legislators, non-profits and educators to support parenting and families. That passion gave her the nickname of “New Mexico’s Grandmother of Early Childhood Development.

Mary began her career in education as a bilingual kindergarten teacher at Los Padillas Elementary School in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Throughout her life, she was passionate about caring for our most vulnerable. She traveled across the state to advocate for children and families and encouraged others to focus on the development of young children. She affected countless families and educators with the warmth of her kindness, her knowledge, and her advocacy.

“Mary is the Grandmother of Early Childhood Development in New Mexico,” said Speaker of the House Javier Martinez. “Renaming this center after her is a testament to her lifelong, selfless advocacy on behalf of all of New Mexico children.”

The Mary Dudley Early Childhood Center will continue to serve ages 3-5 in Pre-K and Preschool programs. Programs offer affordable and accredited early education with support and resources for parents. To learn more about the programs from the Division of Child & Family Development, visit cabq.gov/earlyeducation.