Empowering Futures: An Overview of the Rio Grande Educational Collaborative

The Rio Grande Educational Collaborative (RGEC) stands as a prominent provider of before and after school programs in New Mexico, dedicated to fostering success in children from all walks of life. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing development, application, and management of services, RGEC delivers pathways to achievement, primarily through its Before and After School Programs (BASP).

RGEC's Vision and Mission

At the heart of RGEC lies a clear vision: to be a dedicated organization focused on preparing children, families, and communities for lifelong success. This vision is driven by a powerful mission: to leverage a range of resources and opportunities to create a comprehensive continuum of services that support the social and academic aspirations of children, their families, and their communities.

Comprehensive Before and After School Programs in New Mexico

RGEC's before and after school programs in New Mexico are strategically located at children’s schools, offering convenience for parents and ensuring seamless integration with the school day. This setup allows parents to stay connected with school staff while providing their children with the support they need. The programs are designed to extend learning, offering daily homework support and enrichment activities that complement traditional education.

RGEC collaborates with principals to understand the academic strengths and challenges within each school. This collaborative approach allows RGEC to tailor its programs to enhance subjects such as science, math, geography, literacy, and the arts. Furthermore, RGEC aims to restore programs that may have been reduced due to funding constraints, including music, fine arts, performing arts, and sports, thereby offering a well-rounded educational experience.

Daily Structure and Activities

After school, students are provided with a snack or light meal before participating in structured activities. The program is divided into two key components: homework help and enrichment time.

During homework time, students work independently or receive guidance from educators to ensure they complete their assignments before heading home. This approach reduces stress for families and allows for more quality time in the evening.

Enrichment time brings hands-on learning to life. Students participate in small groups for interactive lessons that reinforce core subjects while introducing exciting new topics such as entrepreneurship, nutrition, and physical wellness. RGEC’s “disguised learning” approach keeps students engaged through structured, fun activities that make learning enjoyable.

The Four Corners Model

In the before school program, RGEC employs the Four Corners Model. Each morning, students engage in a diverse range of activities by rotating among the Creative Corner, Strategic Games Corner, Active Corner, and Homework and Literacy Corner, where they can complete any unfinished homework for the day.

The E-CUBEDTM Enrichment Model

RGEC proudly utilizes its proprietary enrichment model, E-CUBEDTM (Exploration, Enrichment, and Education), in its after-school program. This innovative model is designed to improve academic outcomes for elementary students by integrating a disguised learning approach that supports teachers, involves parents, and keeps young minds actively engaged across key subjects.

Staff and Safety Standards

All RGEC activities are led by trained instructors, many of whom are teachers and educational assistants. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified and must pass an ECECD background check. RGEC programs are licensed by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department, ensuring a safe and high-quality learning environment.

RGEC is committed to providing exceptional programs and ensures that staff undergo continuous professional development to maintain their expertise. Many Before and After School Programs are licensed as childcare sites through the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department, ensuring unparalleled safety standards and adherence to best practices.

Academic Alignment and Enrichment

RGEC’s before- and after-school programming aligns with state academic standards, and all enrichment activities, including lesson plans, adhere to the Common Core principles outlined by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED). The program provides a quiet space and time for children to work on their homework each day, with staff available to help with questions or provide assistance. While RGEC strives to ensure that children spend time on their homework, it does not guarantee that all assignments will be completed during program hours. Students may also participate in individual and/or small group tutoring to target specific learning challenges. For students who do not have homework, supplemental reading and math materials and activities are provided.

The program also provides a daily full meal service aligned with the state’s CACFP guidelines. Additionally, RGEC partners with organizations like the Explora Museum to further enrich the learning experience.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Rio Grande Education Collaborative (RGEC) is a member of The Atrisco Companies, a social enterprise that supports New Mexico communities through various nonprofit and community-focused organizations. RGEC is held to a high standard of academic enrichment and safety required by organizations including the NM Public Education Department and the NM Early Childhood Education & Care Department. These organizations require a compliance approach that assures a level of academic and safety standards and processes are incorporated into RGEC’s programs.

RGEC complements compliance and regulation provided by outside sources with its own internal system of Quality Assurance, ensuring that all RGEC school sites and their staff are operating and performing at the highest levels and standards. This internal Quality Assurance approach includes multiple levels of quality review and accountability measures, influencing the caretaking and educational service provided to each child.

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Quality Assurance reviews are conducted throughout the school year to maintain a consistent level of excellence in all programs across Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Belen, and all other regions RGEC operates in the state of New Mexico. Along with frequent site visits, Quality Assurance works with all levels of RGEC employees to help provide training and mentorship, ensuring that staff are professionally developed and able to maintain the high standard RGEC programs demand. Staff at all sites are required to complete a specific number of hours of training as mandated by the state and internally by the company.

Impact and Reach

Rio Grande Education Collaborative (RGEC) has established itself as the largest provider of After School services in New Mexico, experiencing remarkable growth over the past decade. RGEC currently serves families and communities across 60+ school sites throughout the state. The organization's dedication to meeting the needs of families has earned it an esteemed reputation as a trusted name among parents and children alike.

Testimonials

Parents and students alike have expressed their appreciation for the RGEC program:

Jaineen B. Sims: "RGEC - located at 7 Bar Loop Elementary is an incredible program that allows our youth to have a safe and nurturing environment. The staff is outstanding and deserves a (KUDOS) for their wonderful service."
Michael Valenzuela: "My daughter goes to the After School program at Mountain Mahogany Community School. That staff has ALWAYS been courteous and pleasant. My daughter enjoys that time she spends there with her classmates. As a parent, I feel confident that she is in good hands and getting the best care possible. I would definitely recommend this program."
Kate Bach: "Mr. Andres and the team at Chamiza do a great job interacting with the kids. They enjoy attending!"
Lorissa Lynn Lopez: "RGEC is a great program and offers so many many fun and learning activities. Homework is always done and kids get not only one but two snacks. The kids enjoy it!"
Racheal Lopez: "I love RGEC! My son has been coming here since he was in second grade. Rayanda and Amanda are wonderful and work great with the kids. My son loves RGEC and looks forward to it every day. Thank you RGEC staff for your love and support you all give the kids at Sandia Base elementary school!!"
Thuy Chong: "Excelente programa en Christine Duncan Heritage Academy me Encanto como tratan a los ninos Mucha paciencia"
Ellaf Al-Tamimi: "I just love the RGEC program and so does my daughter. The staff are just amazing they go above and beyond to make sure the kids are happy and safe. They communicate so well with me when anything happens in regards to my daughter. During the weekend my daughter misses the teachers there. Lindsey Murray along with the other two staff at Chaparral Elementary are beyond amazing."
Mayra Marquez: "R.G.E.C helped me when I was a single mother coming home from work, tired. The staff helped my kids with homework and did lots of activities. It was nice to know my kids were getting dinner and I didn’t have to worry about it at work. My kids being in this program meant a lot to me because my kids didn’t have to be home alone until I got off work."
Brooke, Chaparral E.S.: "They help me get my work done."
John, Sierra Vista E.S.: "I like to do arts and crafts. The teacher helps me with my homework and I get to go outside."
Alicia, Sierra Vista E.S.: "What I like about RGEC is that we have teachers that care about us."

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