Virtual Help Sessions
Individuals needing help with Pay Parity, Scholarship, Wage Supplement, or Bilingual applications can attend Virtual Help Sessions. Coaches will be on hand to answer questions and assist applicants with the process. Click on the links below to attend the virtual meeting.
- Wednesday, August 21, between 5:30 – 6:30 pm
- Wednesday, August 28, between 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84134025248?pwd=DCJa4LiUCK4pmi7K8kI2T6QAxCpoID.1
- Meeting ID: 841 3402 5248
- Passcode: 895466
Pre-K and Head Start Pay Parity
The Pre-K and Head Start Pay Parity Programs are designed to serve educators working in the NM Pre-K Grant Programs or NM Head Start Programs, including Tribal NM Pre-K Grant and Tribal Head Start Programs. To qualify for Pre-K or Head Start Parity, educators must:
- Work in an NM Pre-K Grant or Head Start classroom as either a Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher OR
- Work as an Administrator (Director, Assistant Director, Manager) and have direct supervision and support of the NM PreK Grant or NM Head Start Programs
- Only one Administrator per site may qualify
- Directors qualify for Categories 4-6 only
Qualified applicants are paid the Pre-K/Head Start Parity rate minus their verified annual salary according to the rates listed below. NOTE: NM Pre-K Grant teachers are required to earn a $50,000 minimum salary.
| Category | Parity Rate | Education Requirements | Experience* Requirements *All early childhood teaching experience counts as experience | |
| Assistant Teachers | ||||
| Category 1 | $40,000 | CDC or CDA (Head Start ONLY; NM Pre-K does not qualify for Category 1) | 3 years experience | |
| Category 2 | $45,000 | Associate’s in ECE | 0-3 years experience | |
| Category 3 | $50,000 | Associate’s in ECE | 3+ years’ experience | |
| Lead Teachers/Directors | ||||
| Category 4 | $55,000 | Bachelor’s in ECE | 0-3 years experience | |
| Category 5 | $66,000 | Bachelor’s in ECE OR Other Bachelor’s Degrees | 3+ years’ experience | |
| Category 6 | $77,000 | Master’s Degree | 5 years experience | |
| Additional Incentive | ||||
| Incentive | $1,000 | Qualified Pay Parity applicants can receive an annual stipend of $1,000 when they upload a copy of their Special Education license, Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH) or Montessori (AMI, AMS, MACTE, IMI) Certificate. | ||
The Pre-K Parity Program accepts applications from qualified applicants anytime from August 15, 2024 – May 15, 2025. Payments are issued beginning in September 2024 and run through June 2025.
Infant-Toddler Pay Parity
The Infant-Toddler Pay Parity Program is open to educators who work in an Early Head Start program or licensed childcare program and serve at least one child through the childcare assistance program. Participation in the childcare assistance program verified at the time of application for Parity.
To qualify for Infant-Toddler Parity:
- Educators (including home-based providers) must be assigned to a classroom that works with children ages zero, one-, or two-years old.
- Family child care owners must be listed on the license and must have at least one Infant or toddler at least 6-weeks – 12 months enrolled full-time in their program.
- Directors must be listed on the license and supervise sites in which there is at least one Infant classroom 6 weeks – to 12 months.
- Directors must work full-time
- Only one Director per site may qualify
Qualified applicants are paid the Infant-Toddler Parity rate minus their verified annual salary according to the below rates.
| Category | Parity Rate | Education Requirements | Experience* Requirements *All early childhood teaching experience counts as experience | |
| Infant Toddler Educators/Directors/Child Care Owners | ||||
| Category 1 | $40,000 | CDC or CDA | 3 years experience | |
| Category 2 | $45,000 | Associate’s in ECE | 0-3 years experience | |
| Category 3 | $50,000 | Associate’s in ECE | 3+ years’ experience | |
| Category 4 | $55,000 | Bachelor’s in ECE | 0-3 years experience | |
| Category 5 | $66,000 | Bachelor’s in ECE OR Other Bachelor’s Degree | 3+ years’ experience | |
| Category 6 | $77,000 | Master’s Degree | 5 years experience | |
| Additional Incentive | ||||
| Special Incentive | $1,000 | Qualified Infant Toddler Pay Parity applicants can receive a one-time stipend of $1,000 when they upload a copy of their Special Education license, Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH) or Montessori (AMI, MAS, MACTE, IMI) Certificate. | ||
The Infant Toddler Parity Program accepts applications from qualified applicants anytime from August 15, 2024 – May 15, 2025. Payments are issued beginning in September 2024 and run through June 2025.