Toddler Lead Teacher at 5 Star Program - East Gate Kids (Full-Time)

East Gate Kids Learning Center; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, vision, and telehealth

Up to 80 hours PTO annually

12+ paid holidays

Christmas closure

Free childcare in 5-Star program

ECECD Scholarship support

Paid training and development

Free uniforms and parking

Supportive team culture

Job summary

East Gate Kids in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a full-time Toddler Lead Teacher to guide daily routines and play-based learning for toddlers. You will implement aligned curricula, foster language and social-emotional growth, and maintain strong family communication, supporting individual development in a caring, high-quality setting.

Ideal candidates bring a HS diploma, childcare experience, and a commitment to ongoing professional growth within a 5-Star, Reggio Emilia-inspired center that values

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience working with children in a childcare or educational setting.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to pass all state-required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily routines, transitions, and play-based learning experiences.
• Implement curriculum aligned with NM Early Learning Guidelines and Reggio Emilia.
• Support language development, social-emotional growth, and independence.
• Communicate regularly with families through daily updates and conferences.
• Document learning through observations and developmental portfolios.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing, FOCUS standards, and center policies.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and team collaboration.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Relationship building

Teamwork

Classroom management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

Toddler Lead Teacher

Albuquerque, NM | Full-Time$19-$25/hour | 5-Star Center | Reggio-Inspired

A Unique Role for a Special Kind of Educator:

We have an immediate opening for a full-time Toddler Teacher, and we're looking for someone ready to step in and make an impact. If you're passionate about toddler development and want to do this work in a high-quality, supportive environment - we'd love to hear from you today.

Why This Role Truly Matters:

At East Gate Kids, we're not filling a seat. We're looking for an educator who understands that the toddler years are one of the most critical windows in a child's development - and who shows up every day ready to meet that responsibility.

We are a 5-Star early learning center inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are viewed as capable, curious, and full of potential. Our classrooms are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships. We believe learning happens through play, discovery, and connection.

Who This Role Is Perfect For:

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Understand toddler development and meet children where they are.
• Stay calm under pressure and bring consistency to your classroom.
• Build genuine relationships with children and families.
• Enjoy the energy and unpredictability of the toddler stage.
• Collaborate well with a team and take feedback seriously.
• Want to grow your craft in a center that invests in its educators.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):

• Lead daily routines, transitions, and play-based learning experiences.
• Implement curriculum aligned with NM Early Learning Guidelines and the Reggio Emilia approach.
• Support language development, social-emotional growth, and independence.
• Communicate regularly with families through daily updates and conferences.
• Document learning through observations and developmental portfolios.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing, FOCUS standards, and center policies.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and team collaboration.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience working with children in a childcare or educational setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Physical ability to meet job requirements (lifting up to 30 lbs, movement, standing).
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to pass all state-required background checks.

Preferred (but not required):

• CDC, AA, or BA in Early Childhood Education (or actively pursuing one).
• Experience in a licensed childcare or preschool setting.
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum, or project-based approaches.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay: $19-$21/hour based on experience.
• Health, dental, vision, and telehealth coverage after 90 days.
• Up to 80 hours of PTO annually, plus 12+ paid/unpaid holidays.
• Full week off at Christmas and closure for major holidays.
• Free childcare in our highly sought-after 5-Star program.
• ECECD Scholarship support to earn your degree while working.
• Ongoing paid training and professional development.
• Free uniforms and parking.
• A respectful, supportive, purpose-driven team culture.

Ready to Apply?

Toddlers deserve teachers who are all in - and we're looking for exactly that person. If you're available now and ready to lead a classroom where relationships, curiosity, and joy drive everything, we'd love to meet you.