Infant Lead Teacher- East Gate Kids Early Learning Center
3 days ago
Albuquerque
Job DescriptionLead Infant Teacher For Educators Who Understand That Infancy Is Foundational Pay Rate: $21-$25/hour (based on education & licensing qualifications) Albuquerque, NM | Full-Time 5-Star Center | Full-Time or Part-Time | Purpose-Driven | Reggio-Inspired | Growth-Focused Environment A Role With Purpose, Support, and Room to Grow If you believe early childhood education is sacred, impactful work-and that teachers deserve respect, support, and professional growth-you may have just found your home. At East Gate Kids, we're not filling positions. We're building a community of educators who care deeply about children, families, and doing this work well. And we are seeking a Lead Infant Teacher who understands that the earliest experiences of care shape a child's sense of safety, trust, and curiosity for life. We are a model 5-Star early learning center in New Mexico, known for innovation, inclusion, and excellence. Our beautifully designed, Reggio-inspired classrooms are intentional spaces that invite curiosity, independence, collaboration, and joy-for children and teachers. This role is for educators who want to grow their craft, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a team that takes pride in high-quality early childhood education. Why This Role Truly Matters Infants learn through relationships. Diapering, feeding, soothing, and play are all opportunities to teach communication, trust, and emotional regulation. As a Lead Infant Teacher, you will guide the classroom environment, daily rhythms, and caregiving practices to ensure each child feels safe, seen, and supported. In this role, you will: * Influence children's development during their most critical years * Partner with families during meaningful moments of growth * Work in an environment that values reflection, creativity, and emotional intelligence * Be supported as a professional We invest deeply in our educators because we know strong programs are built by supported teachers. We invest deeply in our educators through training from leading experts in early childhood education-helping you grow not only in your profession, but in your personal leadership and purpose. Because we believe great teachers are built from the inside out. Who This Role Is For You may be a great fit if you: * Feel called to work with young children and families * Value play-based, relationship-centered, high-quality early education * Enjoy working as part of a collaborative, professional team * Want coaching, mentorship, and real growth-not just a schedule * Take pride in your classroom, communication, and professionalism East Gate Kids is a model 5-Star early learning center in New Mexico, known for innovation, inclusion, and excellence. We're looking for educators who want to join our team and help take us to the next level-building an elite school that raises the standard for quality education while continuing to serve the children and families who need it most. Our classrooms are beautifully designed, Reggio-inspired environments-carefully created to inspire curiosity, independence, and connection. What You'll Do Key Responsibilities: • Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with NM Early Learning Guidelines and the Reggio Emilia approach., • Lead and inspire your classroom team-model excellence, collaboration, and professionalism while mentoring assistants and interns., • Foster creativity and curiosity through hands-on, nature-based learning experiences that promote social-emotional and cognitive growth., • Communicate effectively with families through daily updates, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences., • Ensure excellence and compliance with state licensing regulations, FOCUS standards, and East Gate Kids policies., • Document learning through observations, lesson plans, and developmental portfolios., • Engage in continuous growth-participate in trainings, workshops, and professional development to strengthen your craft. You should have: * At least 2 years of professional childcare or teaching experience * A CDC, AA, or BA in Early Childhood Education or be actively pursuing one * Or, actively seeking to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education through the ECECD Scholarship or similar program. * Knowledge of child development and play-based learning * High energy, creativity, and compassion for children and families. * CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) What We Offer [Benefits] * Competitive, living wages with growth opportunities and performance bonuses * Health, dental, vision, and telehealth coverage * Free childcare in our highly sought-after 5-Star program * Up to 80 hours of PTO annually, plus 12+ paid/unpaid holidays for balance and renewal. * Closed for major holidays and a full week off at Christmas to spend time with family and friends. * Free uniforms and parking * Free tuition opportunities for your own children and access to the ECECD Scholarship Pathway to earn your degree in early childcare-start your career, get your degree, and grow with us! * Ongoing professional development led by national experts * Leadership development, advocacy training, and growth pathways * A joyful, purpose-driven workplace where fun, learning, and growth come together every day! Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, with consistent daytime hours. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for training or family events. Why Join Us: At East Gate Kids, you're not just taking a job at a childcare - you are joining an organization that believes in helping your grow your career. You'll work in beautiful, well-equipped classrooms, surrounded by supportive leaders who care about your success. You'll be encouraged to keep learning, dreaming, and leading. When teachers thrive, children thrive-and we take that seriously. Ready to Apply? If you believe infants deserve calm, respectful, relationship-centered care - and you want to lead a classroom that reflects those values - we'd love to meet you. Apply today and help shape the very beginning of a child's story.