New Mexico has a unique opportunity, at this time, to actively evolve its systems for early childhood, and support the diversity of providers and infrastructures that serve them. This is largely due to the creation of a cabinet-level Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2019, with operations of the new Department beginning July 1, 2020. A great deal of momentum has been built through previous stakeholder engagement processes, support for the legislation and maintenance of a mixed-delivery system. Individuals and communities as a whole have illustrated wholehearted enthusiasm to provide input into organizing and planning for the new Department. There is a widely-held feeling that New Mexico has a special opportunity for a fresh start and to set a new, profoundly positive tone throughout the early childhood system. Despite the interest and engagement expressed by community members throughout New Mexico, doing a ‘Needs Assessment’ for New Mexico’s early childhood programs and system has been a complex task. The Federal Government asks us to define our terms under the Preschool Development Grant, which was awarded to the State of New Mexico and administered by a collaborative team from the Governor’s Office and across three key departments - the Children, Youth and Families Department, the Public Education Department, and the Department of Health. By necessity, defining our terms means we must view the entire landscape, while simultaneously clearly defining our goals. (author abstract)