Scholarship Eligibility
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) describes eligible scholars for the PreK Scholarship program as follows:
- Teachers working in a PreK funded classroom who do not have an NM early childhood birth–3 or PreK–grade 3 license
- Any EA working in a PreK funded classroom who does not have an AA in early childhood education
- Any EA with an AA who is pursuing a BA and teaching license in early childhood education
- Teachers/PreK Coaches/Principals working in a PreK funded classroom who have an NM early childhood Birth–grade 3 or PreK–grade 3 license and are pursuing a PreK–12 special education license
Read on to learn more about the responsibilities associated with each scholarship model.
PreK Associates (AA) Responsibilities
NMPED Responsibilities
- 100% of tuition and fees
- 100% of NMTA test (reimbursement to scholar)
- 100% of rental books (reimbursement to scholar)
District Responsibilities:
- The district may choose to cover the purchase of books when rentals are not available, but the scholar must return the books to the district for future scholars.
Scholar Responsibilities:
- Scholar commits to complete a minimum of six credits per contract year.
- Scholar commits to remain with the PreK program in the district/charter for one year after the contract ends.
- Scholars must maintain a C or better in all classes taken.
PreK Bachelors (BA) Responsibilities
NMPED Responsibilities
- 100% of tuition and fees
- 100% of NMTA test (reimbursement to scholar)
- 100% of rental books (reimbursement to scholar)
District Responsibilities:
- The district may choose to cover the purchase of books when rentals are not available, but the scholar must return the books to the district for future scholars.
Scholar Responsibilities:
- Scholar commits to complete a minimum of six credits per contract year.
- Scholar commits to remain with the PreK program in the district/charter for one year after the contract ends.
- Scholars must maintain a C or better in all classes taken.
Alternative Licensure Responsibilities
NMPED Responsibilities
- 100% of tuition and fees
- 100% of NMTA test (reimbursement to scholar)
District Responsibilities:
- The district may choose to cover the purchase of books when rentals are not available, but the scholar must return the books to the district for future scholars.
Scholar Responsibilities:
- Scholars must complete the alternative licensure program within two years or complete 12 hours of graduate credit per contract year.
- Scholar commits to remain with the PreK program in the district/charter for one year after the contract ends.
- Scholars must maintain a C or better in all classes taken.
*No graduate programs at this time.
