Grounded in clear routines and play-based, teacher-guided exploration, each child’s unique gifts are honored and nurtured holistically with respectful boundaries and cultural responsiveness that build confidence, belonging, and a lifelong love of learning.
Get to know us
At Cri Cri, safety, consistency, and thoughtful challenge come together in a calm, child-centered environment.
Each day follows a predictable rhythm, and learning unfolds through play and hands-on exploration, guided by warm, attentive teachers. We partner with families to nurture belonging and healthy self-esteem in every child.
Our team pursues ongoing professional development so our practice stays current and responsive to the needs of young children and their families.
We believe the early years hold extraordinary promise—and that every child’s unique gifts deserve to be seen, celebrated, and nurtured.
At Cri Cri, we help children build a healthy self-image within clear, kind boundaries—firm when needed, never threatening.
We partner with families and our community to offer choice, flexibility, and continuity, and we design services that honor each family’s culture, beliefs, abilities, and circumstances. We reject shaming practices and center dignity, so children can fully participate and feel they belong.
By working together, we help kids navigate school and everyday pressures while growing their strengths with confidence.
Cri Cri began as a home daycare in 2007 in the community of Sunland Park, New Mexico, providing childcare to families who needed to go to work or school.
Seeing the need among families in the community and already having a waiting list, Cri Cri decided to expand into a center, opening its doors in 2009. Over time, Cri Cri expanded again with a special after-school center for children, as well as another center in the community of Anthony, NM. Cri Cri was also able to incorporate Early Head Start, Early Pre-K, and Mixed Pre-K programs for children who did not have the opportunity to attend school.
To date, Cri Cri continues to support and assist families in Sunland Park and Anthony, New Mexico... happy to welcome your children in!
FOCUS is New Mexico’s tiered Quality Rating & Improvement System (TQRIS) that measures and supports early-learning quality. A 5-Star rating recognizes the highest standards in curriculum, interactions, family engagement, health and safety, and continuous improvement—often aligned with national accreditation.
Cri Cri operates under a New Mexico ECECD child-care license, meeting required inspections and rules for staff background checks, ratios and group size, health and safety, and facility compliance. Licensing provides ongoing oversight and transparency for families.
We participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which reimburses centers for serving nutritious meals and snacks at no cost to enrolled children, following federally guided meal patterns to support healthy growth.
Director at Sunland Park Center
My responsibility as the executive director of Cri Cri Day Learning Center is creating a safe, enriching environment, designing and implementing educational programs and activities, ensuring curriculum meets learning standards. Communicating with families, addressing concerns and building relationships with the community and partner organizations. Last but not least provide a positive direction and support, fostering a positive and professional atmosphere.
Founder of Cri Cri and Director at Anthony Center
As the CEO and owner of Cri Cri Learning Center, I’m dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. My responsibility is to overseeing all center operations, developing age appropriate curricula, and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety. Under my leadership the Cri Cri has established a reputation for excellence, fostering strong relationships with families and earning a 5 start state center with FOCUS program.
Director at Sunland Park Center (After School)
My name is Mayra Luevanos, director of Cri Cri Learning Center After School, where I am committed to providing children with a safe space full of opportunities to grow and learn. I work alongside a team of educators and families to promote the academic, social, and emotional development of each student. My vision is for every child to discover their potential through confidence, values, and creativity.
We are open Monday through Friday for twelve months a year. Most of our locations are open from 6 am to 7 pm. Please consult each center for specific times.
Yes! We serve hot meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner if recquired) and nutritious snacks. Meals are cooked onsite by our school chef.
If your child has a diagnosed food allergy, everyone in our team (chef, directors and teachers) will partner with you to ensure your your child’s allergy plan is followed.
Our facilities are cleaned and sanitized daily to to curb the spread of germs. Eating surfaces are washed and sanitized before and after each use.
We believe in keeping class numbers low to maximum learning potential.
Thoughtful and outstanding communication is essential to a family’s experience in our centers. We encourage families to call and speak to your child’s teacher during the day.
Yes! All our staff is fluent both in English and Spanish. It is vital to us that your child feels safe and comfortable speaking their desired language. Although classes are in English, we translate to Spanish for the kids that need it.
We go outside twice a day, weather permitting. Children under the age of two can go outside as long as it is above 20 degrees, and children over the age of two can go outside as long as it is above zero.
Yes—depending on availability and program. Many families choose a 3-days-per-week schedule. For your child’s well-being and classroom planning, we recommend fixed days (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri). Part-time tuition and included services may vary by campus and age group. If you receive state assistance, please check your plan’s coverage for part-time attendance. We’ll confirm details—days, hours, transportation eligibility, and any fees—during enrollment.
Yes. We offer morning drop-off and/or after-school pick-up for enrolled students, depending on your child’s school, bell times, and route availability. We finalize details during enrollment.
The best way to know is to visit: watch how we care and teach, review details, and enroll when you´re ready!
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Choose a time that fits your day; we'll tailor the tour to your child's age
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See classrooms in action, meet the theam, and review safety, routines, and menus.
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Reserve your spot, complete forms, and set a start date. Remember there´s support available for state assistance if elegible
Schedule a visit, meet the teachers, and see what a day at Cri Cri is like.
We will answer all your questions and, if you wish, we can orient you with your application for government assistance.