Infant Lead Teacher

Infant Lead Teacher

For Educators Who Believe Caregiving Is Teaching

Albuquerque, NM | 5-Star Center | Reggio-Inspired | Full-Time | Pay: $19 – $25 per hour

Some Teachers Just Get It.

That an infant who is held, talked to, and responded to is learning to trust the world, and that trust is where everything else begins.

They also know that a calm infant room doesn't happen by accident. It is planned, protected, and led by a great teaching team.

If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you.

A Place Where Relationships Lead the Way

East Mountain is a brand-new, 5-Star, Reggio-inspired early learning center from the team behind East Gate Kids, where even our youngest children are viewed as capable, competent, and curious. Our infant classrooms are calm, beautiful, intentional spaces designed to support movement, exploration, and secure attachment.

We're opening soon and hiring our founding team: the educators who will set up our classrooms, shape our culture, and welcome our very first families. If you've ever wanted a hand in building a program from the ground up, this is that opportunity.

We believe in getting on the floor, following each baby's cues, and letting infants develop at their own pace. We also believe great infant care is intentional. Observation, documentation, consistent routines, and warm partnerships with families help us understand each child and support their development.

The Educators Who Thrive Here

As the Lead Infant Teacher, you will own the rhythm and quality of your classroom. You'll plan responsive, developmentally appropriate experiences aligned with the New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines and the Reggio Emilia approach, and set up an environment that invites safe movement and exploration. You'll keep individualized care routines for feeding, diapering, and sleep, document each child's growth through observations and portfolios, and build trusting partnerships with families through daily updates and conferences. You'll also lead and mentor your assistant teacher, modeling calm, respectful care, and keep your classroom in full compliance with licensing, FOCUS, and safe-sleep requirements.

You also believe there is always more to learn. You welcome coaching, value professional development, and stay curious about research and best practices in infant care.

Qualifications

We're looking for educators with professional experience in an infant or toddler classroom, a strong understanding of infant development and responsive caregiving, and the leadership to guide a small classroom team.

A CDA, ECE coursework, an associate's or bachelor's degree, or current enrollment in an Early Childhood Education program is highly valued. If you're ready to start or finish your degree, we'll support you through the New Mexico ECECD Scholarship Pathway.

You'll also need to meet applicable New Mexico childcare licensing requirements, complete required background checks, and hold CPR/First Aid certification (or be willing to obtain it).

A Place to Grow Your Career

We believe exceptional educators deserve to be supported, challenged, and inspired. At East Gate Kids, we invest in ongoing professional development, mentorship, training, and opportunities to advance your education through New Mexico ECECD programs.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on education, experience, and position
• Health, dental, vision, and telehealth coverage
• Free childcare in our highly sought-after 5-Star program
• PTO and holiday closures
• Ongoing professional development and training
• ECECD Scholarship support for continued education
• Opportunities for professional and leadership growth
• A collaborative, respectful, purpose-driven team culture

We'd Love to Meet You

If you believe infants deserve calm, respectful, relationship-centered care, and you're ready to lead a classroom that reflects it, East Mountain may be the place you've been looking for.

Apply today and help shape the very beginning of a child's story.