Christina Kent Early Childhood Center Expands with New Commercial Space, Supported by Homewise

Albuquerque, NM –– Christina Kent Early Childhood Center (CKECC), Albuquerque’s oldest continuously operating childcare center, is set to significantly expand its services through the purchase and renovation of a new building, thanks to a community-centered partnership with Homewise. The expansion will allow CKECC to double its capacity, offering critical early education to even more families in the Barelas neighborhood and across Albuquerque. 
 
Established in 1919, CKECC has served the Albuquerque community for over a century, providing high-quality childcare and early childhood education to low-income families. The center, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), currently serves 62 children in three classrooms and is committed to ensuring accessible education through a sliding scale tuition model that considers both income and family size. Through its participation in the NM PreK program, CKECC also offers free tuition for 3- to 5-year-olds. 
 
Now, under the leadership of Executive Director Sondra Carpenter, CKECC will expand its impact after acquiring a vacant property owned by the First United Methodist Church, located across the street from their current building. With extensive renovations planned, the new facility will feature an infant classroom and expanded Pre-K services, addressing a critical and underdelivered community need for early childhood education and care. 
 
This expansion is being supported by Homewise, a nonprofit dedicated to helping New Mexicans build wealth through homeownership and fostering thriving neighborhoods. Homewise’s commercial loan program supports the organization’s vision of creating vibrant communities where residents can live, work, access services, and learn.  
 

Homewise is also supporting CKECC’s staff and families by offering access to their homeownership program. Through 1:1 coaching with Homewise’s home purchase advisors, salaried in-house realtors, and a diligent lending team, CKECC’s community is receiving personalized guidance to achieve their homeownership goals. This effort aligns with Homewise’s core mission of helping New Mexicans build wealth and stability through homeownership. 
 
For over 100 years, Christina Kent Early Childhood Center has played a pivotal role in the lives of Albuquerque’s children and families. With this new chapter, and with the support of Homewise, CKECC is positioned to continue that legacy for many more decades to come.