SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 34

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Sue Wilson Beffort

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE SUCCESS OF PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS.

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico pre-kindergarten program is implemented in the public schools and in early-care and education programs outside the public schools; and

     WHEREAS, studies have been performed by nationally recognized experts on the programs' implementation for the first three years; and

     WHEREAS, these studies demonstrate similar and positive results in the New Mexico pre-kindergarten programs implemented in both the public schools and in New Mexico pre-kindergarten programs outside the public schools; and

     WHEREAS, the child development board of the office of child development, with input from many parties, has been responsible for setting the standards for teacher and staff qualifications for the children, youth and families department-funded New Mexico pre-kindergarten programs; and

     WHEREAS, the child development board, its partners and interested parties wish to ensure the most effective and efficient long-term implementation of New Mexico pre-kindergarten programs funded by the children, youth and families department;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of children, youth and families convene a study of the current requirements of teachers and staff for children, youth and families department-funded New Mexico pre-kindergarten programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the child development board, the office of child development of the early care services division of the children, youth and families department, the New Mexico child care and education association, the national association for the education of young children, the New Mexico teacher education and compensation helps (T.E.A.C.H) early childhood project and other parties named by the secretary of children, youth and families participate in the study; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study take into consideration the current evaluations of the results of the New Mexico pre-kindergarten program and the current literature on the correlation between qualifications of pre-kindergarten teachers and staff and classroom outcomes; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this study be done in conjunction with an analysis of the cost of providing early care and education in New Mexico and the salaries paid to teachers and staff of New Mexico pre-kindergarten programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings of the study with recommendations be presented to the secretary of children, youth and families, the child development board and the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families.

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