The City of Albuquerque has renamed the Singing Arrow Child Development Center to the Clara Padilla Andrews Early Learning Center. The dedication honors Clara Padilla-Andrews, a leader recognized for her work in promoting equity, education, and community empowerment in New Mexico.
Padilla-Andrews served as New Mexico’s secretary of state from 1983 to 1986. She is noted for advancing Latino voices, women’s leadership, and public health. Her contributions include founding El Hispanic News and the Susannah Maria Gurulé Foundation, organizations focused on advocacy, media, and healthcare support for underserved communities.
“Clara Padilla Andrews represents the spirit of service and heritage that we want every child to grow up experiencing,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Lending her name to this wonderful resource ensures that legacy will inspire future generations from their very earliest years.”
The Clara Padilla-Andrews Early Learning Center is part of Albuquerque’s network of early childhood facilities providing high-quality child care at no cost to families. This initiative follows a statewide investment in early education that allows all city-operated child care programs to be free for local families.
These centers offer developmental support, culturally responsive curriculum, nutritious meals, and connections to community resources at no charge. The aim is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that supports school readiness and lifelong learning.
More information about the center and other early learning opportunities can be found at cabq.gov/early-education.
