44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE MEANS TO INCREASE COMPENSATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS.

WHEREAS, research studies show that quality early care and education for young children result in improved lives for those children, along with reduced costs and needs for special education and delinquency programs later; and

WHEREAS, the continuity of caregivers and educators is key to providing quality educational experiences for young children; and

WHEREAS, compensation is a central element in the decision of early childhood education and family support professionals to stay or leave the field; and

WHEREAS, the current compensation for early childhood education and family support professionals is so low that it is the major reason for the high turnover rate of those professionals;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee be requested to study the issue of compensation for early childhood education and family support professionals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee recommend to the legislature the means to increase compensation for those professionals so that their salaries are commensurate with those of equivalent education in other fields; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the legislative education study committee.