Assistant secretary; appointment; duties.

A. The secretary shall, with the consent of the governor, appoint an assistant secretary for Native American early education and care. B. The assistant secretary shall: (1) be responsible to the secretary for the administration, coordination and oversight of Indian early childhood education and care programs; (2) the assistant secretary shall, in cooperation with the secretary, collaborate with state and federal departments and agencies, tribal governments, eligible providers and community partners to identify ways such entities can assist the department in the implementation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department Act; (3) consult with the New Mexico Indian nations, tribes and pueblos for delivery of learning guidelines in Native American language, culture and history designed for tribal and nontribal students; (4) provide assistance to school districts and educational agencies to expand appropriate Indian education programs for Native American infants, toddlers, children, youth and families pursuant to the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978; (5) assist with the delivery of culturally relevant education and care for Native American children; (6) seek funding to establish and strengthen programs related to Native American infants, toddlers, children, youth and families; and (7) help ensure that Native American language and cultural considerations are included in programs administered through the department.