about us
East Gate Kids is a faith-based childcare center in Albuquerque, NM, serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years. We offer a comprehensive curriculum grounded in Reggio Emilia principles and enriched with Christian values. Our goal is to empower children to become compassionate, curious, and capable individuals ready for the challenges ahead.
Through our partnership with the local community organizations and our diverse staff of highly trained educators, we create an environment that nurtures holistic development, academic readiness, and a deep sense of belonging. Our approach incorporates nature-based learning, trauma-informed care, and outdoor education, setting us apart as a leader in early childhood education.
We are proud to be voted top 5 by Albuquerque the Magazine and recognized as one of the Best Childcare and Preschools in Albuquerque.
We believe in fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, making sure your child is ready for school and beyond.
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Our Story
East Gate Kids began its journey in 1995 as a childcare center with a vision to provide high-quality, early childhood education; however, like many centers, it faced its challenges. But that all changed when Gabrielle Wheeler and her husband took the helm and set out to turn the center around, bringing new energy, vision, and a deep commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children and families.
Under Gabrielle’s leadership, we underwent a remarkable transformation. Her belief in the power of collaboration, community, and faith has guided East Gate Kids to become a cornerstone of early childhood education in Albuquerque.
Since then, we have grown significantly, both in size and reputation. With a spacious new facility set on three acres of land, East Gate Kids now serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed to support children's emotional, social, and academic development. Our commitment to providing high-quality care and faith-based education has earned it recognition as one of the top 5 daycare centers in the area.
Today, East Gate Kids is not just a childcare center; we are a thriving community where children, families, and staff come together to foster lifelong learning and personal growth. Gabrielle’s vision has helped shape the center into a place where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow, surrounded by love, faith, and respect.
The growth of East Gate Kids since Gabrielle’s leadership takeover is a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of children and their families. The center continues to expand its impact, running initiatives like the monthly food pantry, offering a space for families to connect and support one another, and providing a mentorship program for staff, ensuring that the quality of education and care remains consistently high.
Through Gabrielle's leadership, East Gate Kids has not only transformed as a childcare center but has become a beacon of hope, love, and faith, where children are prepared not only for school but for life. The foundation built in the past 30 years continues to evolve, ensuring that East Gate Kids remains a place where future generations of children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Our Team
Our team is passionate about providing high-quality education and childcare. Each member of our team brings unique expertise to create a dynamic, creative learning environment for every child.
We continuously invest in our team, staying at the forefront of educational practices and industry innovations to provide the best care and learning opportunities for your child.
What to Expect from East Gate Kids
When you choose East Gate Kids, you’re choosing a holistic educational journey for your child. Here’s what we offer:
Reggio Emilia-Inspired Learning:
We follow a child-led, project-based curriculum where children’s natural curiosity is nurtured. This approach encourages creativity, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving, ensuring children are prepared for lifelong learning.
Outdoor Education & Nature-Based Learning:
We place great emphasis on learning through nature. Children spend time in our outdoor classrooms, exploring the environment, gardening, and engaging in eco-friendly activities. This hands-on learning fosters environmental stewardship, responsibility, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Faith-Based Education:
As a faith-based center, we integrate Christian values into our curriculum. We teach kindness, empathy, service to others, and respect for the world around us. Community service projects allow children to understand the importance of faith and compassion in action.
Teacher Mentorship:
At East Gate Kids, we believe in the importance of professional development. Our staff members receive personalized mentorship from experts, including Baji Rankin, ensuring they provide the highest level of education. Our low turnover rate reflects the supportive, career-focused environment we cultivate for our educators.
Support for Foster and At-Risk Children:
Our trauma-informed care model allows us to serve children who have experienced neglect or hardship, including a specialized program for foster children. We provide a safe, caring environment where children can heal emotionally while receiving top-tier educational support.
Freshly-Prepared, Nutritious Meals:
Every child receives healthy, balanced meals that are prepared on-site. We offer options that promote healthy eating habits as nutrition plays a key role in our approach to education, ensuring children have the energy they need to learn and grow.
Holiday Care & Flexible Hours:
We offer flexible care options, including holiday care, before- and after-school programs, and weekend care. This flexibility ensures that working parents have the support they need while their children continue to learn and grow in a safe environment.
Impactful Community Engagement:
At East Gate Kids, we believe in giving back. We run a monthly food pantry, where families can volunteer and receive food boxes. This program, along with other community initiatives, fosters a spirit of giving, service, and compassion in children from an early age.
Recognition & Awards:
We are proud of the recognition we have received for our excellence in childcare. East Gate Kids was recently named one of the Top 5 Daycare Centers in Albuquerque for 2024 and 2025, voted for by the public, showcasing our commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
We are excited to offer your child a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where they can grow, explore, and prepare for the future.
Baji Rankin’s Influence at East Gate Kids
At East Gate Kids, we are deeply grateful for the guidance of Baji Rankin, Ed.D., whose lifelong work has been shaped by her time living and studying in Reggio Emilia, Italy. There, she learned from Loris Malaguzzi and other pioneers of the Reggio approach, grounding her practice in the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential.
Baji’s mentorship helps our teachers carry forward these principles, listening closely to children, co-constructing curriculum, and honoring the environment as a “third teacher.” Her influence strengthens our commitment to creating spaces where children’s ideas lead the way, projects grow from their questions, and learning is built through collaboration and discovery.
Through her support, East Gate Kids continues to embody the spirit of Reggio: a community where children, families, and educators learn together with joy, respect, and purpose.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHILDCARE FOR YOU!
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Our Commitment to Safety
At East Gate Kids, your child’s safety is our top priority. We follow rigorous cleaning protocols using Force of Nature Cleaning Products, ensuring that our center is free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, we enforce strict security measures to limit access to authorized personnel and parents.
We understand the importance of transparency, which is why we offer online streaming services for parents to check in on their child throughout the day. You can feel confident that your child is in good hands, enjoying their time in a safe and engaging environment.
find us
12120 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque New Mexico 87123
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