Bilingual Incentive

Workforce

Bonuses and Supplemental Pay

Launched in November 2021, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD)’s bilingual incentive program provides a one-time payment of $1,500 to early education professionals who have bilingual proficiency. This incentive responds to the growing need for early education staff who speak a language other than English. Staff are eligible for an additional payment for each additional language for which they are certified as proficient. The bilingual incentive payment program is open to all early childhood educators who provide direct support to children from birth to age 5 and who are currently working within a:

New Mexico licensed or registered childcare setting;
Tribal child care program;
New Mexico Pre-K or Early Pre-K program in a community-based setting;
New Mexico Pre-K or Early Pre-K program authorized by a public school or charter including Title I or 619 Preschool Program;
New Mexico Head Start or Early Head Start program;
New Mexico Tribal Head Start or Early Head Start program; state-funded New Mexico Home Visiting program; state-funded New Mexico Family Infant Toddler (FIT)-Early Intervention Program

Learn More: Bilingual Incentive Program

Sources:

New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. (2021). Bilingual Incentive Program.

Connections to Key Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) Findings:

The early education workforce is the foundation upon which all daily work and any expansion and quality improvement efforts rest. Research suggests that states and cities should invest in the workforce across all early education setting types, focusing on enhancing educators’ professional learning, compensation, and workplace conditions.

Findings from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) show:

Early educators play a critical role in supporting the well-being of young children and families across setting types.
Yet their pay, benefits, and other professional supports are often inadequate in light of the job demands and their cost of living.

Learn More about ELS@H Findings