Valencia County Early Childhood Community Partnership
Coordinator - Andrea Candelaria Romero (andrea@lvfnm.org)
FDP Coach – Janelle Garcia Cole
In Valencia County, Andrea Candelaria Romero is leading the charge in transforming how communities support young children and their families. As the Coordinator of the Early Childhood Coalition, Andrea brings heart, strategy, and deep commitment to her work—believing that real change begins with relationships.
Andrea’s philosophy is simple but powerful: it takes a village. She emphasizes the importance of supporting the entire family, not just the child, and she’s passionate about “feeding families with resources and love.” Her intentional approach to planning meetings—carefully selecting agenda items and discussion topics—ensures that every gathering is meaningful and focused on building connections.
One of Andrea’s greatest strengths is her ability to mobilize and maintain strong partnerships. With 178 partners actively involved in the coalition, she refers to them as her “reach out”—a term that reflects how these relationships extend the coalition’s impact across the county. Through these partnerships, Andrea and her team are able to reach hundreds of families, offering support, resources, and a sense of community.
The Valencia County Early Childhood Coalition proudly hosted a dynamic Safety Summit designed to support early childhood professionals and families. With over 60 attendees, the event was a vibrant example of community collaboration and care.
Summit Highlights:
- Engaging and informative presentations from experts in child safety and advocacy
- Participation from the Schools PAW Program, adding energy and enthusiasm
- A bustling resource expo featuring local organizations and services
- Free baby and children’s clothing for families in need
- Hands-on Explora activity kits to spark learning and play
- Raffle prizes and activity bags filled with tools and educational materials
This summit was more than an event—it was a movement to foster collaboration among early childhood professionals, first responders, advocates, and families. Together, we are working to ensure the safety, well-being, and thriving futures of our youngest community members.
A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed their time, energy, and passion. Your commitment made this summit a resounding success! Andrea Candelaria Romero
Andrea’s work is a shining example of how Early Childhood Coalitions can be a powerful force for transformation. By centering families, fostering collaboration, and leading with love, she’s helping to build a stronger, more connected Valencia County.
