Brillante Early Learning Center

Our Teachers

Our team brings together experienced early childhood educators, artists, specialists, and family support professionals who share a deep commitment to children and their families. Together, our staff hold advanced degrees and specialized training in early childhood education, special education, art education, leadership, and family studies, while continuing to pursue ongoing professional learning and growth. As a collaborative teaching community, we believe that strong relationships, curiosity, creativity, and reflection are at the heart of meaningful learning for both children and adults.

Philosophy

At Brillante, our work is guided by the values of care, community, curiosity, and possibility. Grounded in best practices in early childhood education, we believe every child deserves to be known, respected, and inspired, and that strong relationships create the foundation for learning and growth. We foster a welcoming, inclusive community where children and adults learn alongside one another through exploration, creativity, and collaboration.

Location

Located in downtown Albuquerque, the new Brillante Early Learning Center is located across the street from Explora and next door to the Museum of Natural History.

About our program

Brillante Early Learning Center is a museum-based early childhood program where children learn through play, relationships, exploration, and discovery. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and grounded in hands-on learning, we believe children are capable, curious, and full of potential. Our teachers thoughtfully follow children’s interests while creating rich opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and meaningful connections with the world around them. We are committed to building a caring, inclusive community where children, families, and educators learn alongside one another. As the lab school for CNM, we help prepare the next generation of educators and proudly give enrollment priority to CNM student families, supporting them as they pursue their educational and career goals.

Brillante also offers home visiting services throughout Bernalillo County.

Admissions

Join our waitlist: https://app.tryplayground.com/form/fn8fHUZO51ThhTRL6Uk3/XuAvmeUty5XRMRhw2yHq

We give enrollment priority to eligible CNM student families and Explora staff. Families are encouraged to join our interest list at any time. As openings become available, enrollment offers are made through a lottery process within each priority group before moving to the next, helping ensure a fair and transparent process.

Families on our interest list can expect periodic updates as we move into our new building and begin opening additional classrooms. If your family is selected through the lottery and a space that matches your child’s age and schedule becomes available, we will contact you directly with an enrollment offer.