Implementation of the classroom assessment learning system

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) is awarding a sole-source contract to Teachstone Inc. for implementation of the Classroom Assessment Learning System (CLASS) statewide, with proposals due November 18, 2026. Teachstone holds exclusive rights to the CLASS assessment tool, associated training programs, certifications, and data platform, making it the sole authorized provider.

The contract runs through June 30, 2030 and encompasses four primary deliverables: 12 to 14 annual training sessions combined with self-paced online courses; access to the CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription platform for data collection and analysis; monthly reporting on professional development activities; and ongoing customer support and platform management. CLASS serves as a research-based measure of educator-child interactions and as a core driver of Continuous Quality Improvement within New Mexico's early childhood system. Implementation occurs in collaboration with The University of New Mexico Early Childhood Services Center.

The total contract value is $3,230,902 before tax. Compensation is structured by fiscal year across the four deliverables: Training and Events totals $1,463,140 (FY27: $358,455; FY28: $330,960; FY29: $368,280; FY30: $405,445); Data Collection and Management totals $1,560,563 (FY27: $161,438; FY28: $322,875; FY29: $538,125; FY30: $538,125); Project Management totals $453,555 (FY27: $77,984; FY28: $98,075; FY29: $135,961; FY30: $141,535); and Retainage totals $173,862.90. Estimated tax is $246,356.

The sole-source determination rests on Teachstone's exclusive authorization to deliver official CLASS Observer and Trainer certification programs and provide access to the proprietary data platform necessary for statewide implementation. CLASS is recognized as a gold standard in early childhood education quality assessment.