Tricia Heffelfinger knew her calling at 13, when she started babysitting a three-year-old and realized early childhood was where she belonged, and three-year-olds were her niche. Decades later, she’s the Assistant Director at Alpha School Inc. in Las Cruces.

“Prior to these types of programs, I had to leave private child care because of pay,” Tricia says. “This pay allows me to work where my passion is, instead of where I need to be for pay.”

The Pre-K Pay Parity program was designed for educators just like Tricia, recognizing the expertise of community-based Pre-K teachers and bringing their pay closer in line with what public school teachers earn. For Tricia, it changed the equation entirely, bringing financial stability and, most meaningfully, the peace of mind to do the work she loves.

Tricia uses that security to give back, mentoring the next generation of teachers, including her own daughter. She’s pursuing Reflective Supervision training and hopes to teach adults one day, sharing a career’s worth of wisdom with the educators who will shape New Mexico’s youngest learners.

Find out if you qualify for the Pre-K Pay Parity program.