A School-Based Teen Parent Program providing a nurturing setting for teen parents to complete their education in a supportive high school environment. The program aids teen parents in becoming responsible, nurturing, self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
GRADS Quick Facts
TTHE NM GRADS System is funded by the NM Legislature and overseen by the NM Public Education Department.
GRADS provides training, technical assistance, assessment, and resources for all our programs. Each site focuses on the ten GRADS competencies, including reducing repeat pregnancies.
On-site Licensed Child Care Centers (CCC), serving 79 infants and toddlers of GRADS students in 2021-22 modeling effective parenting skills & techniques to encourage child development.
Many CCC are FOCUS Endorsed providing essential elements including professional qualifications, lower teacher / child ratios, inclusive practices to address delays or disabilities, health development screenings, & family engagement to enhance the individual child’s growth, development & learning.
NM GRADS provides funding for on-site Licensed Child Care Centers
GRADS students are introduced to an assorted collection of curriculum and software tools implemented to explore and develop a Career Plan including Career Portfolios to further instill economic independence.
- a teen parenting program in a school setting utilizing certified teaching professionals
- teachers working with over 300 teen parents in 33 high schools across NM
- a recruitment tool for school-age drop-outs
- teaching students how to become economically independent
- teaching students how to balance work and family roles
- teaching prenatal/maternal care to reduce low birth weight babies
- teaching healthy choices for the student and their child
- teaching GRADS curriculum including approved comprehensive sex education information to encourage delaying second pregnancy