Join The East Gate Kids Team in Albuquerque, NM

Here at East Gate Kids, our team is essential to us. We are more than just colleagues, we’re a family!

If you're looking to work at a preschool that truly puts its team first and offers meaningful, Reggio Emilia education, this could be the perfect place for you.

About East Gate Kids

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, designed to support each child’s social, emotional, and academic development.

recruitment information pack

Get Our Recruitment PDF

Want to learn more about our company values and what we can offer you… PLUS get our top 10 interview tips?

Benefits of Working at East Gate Kids

We’re proud to support our team with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

childcare center staff

Team Development & Training

We’re deeply invested in our team’s growth. Training opportunities include:

  • In-house mentorship & leadership development

  • Sessions with educational expert Baji Rankin

  • First Aid and CPR

  • Early Impact Trainings

  • Additional qualification training

And much more!

We’re also proud to be consistently recognized among the Top 5 Preschools in Albuquerque and to provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for both children and educators alike.

childcare staff with children

Our Story: Why Join the East Gate Kids Team

East Gate Kids began its journey in 1995 with a vision to deliver high-quality, early childhood education grounded in faith and compassion. Like many centers, we faced our share of challenges, but everything changed when Gabrielle Wheeler and her husband stepped in with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart for transformation.

Under Gabrielle’s leadership, East Gate Kids has become so much more than a preschool; it’s a mission-driven community where educators are empowered, children are loved, and families feel truly supported. Her commitment to faith, collaboration, and excellence has helped build one of Albuquerque’s most respected early childhood programs, proudly recognized as one of the Top 5 Daycare Centers in the city.

Today, we operate from a spacious, purpose-built facility on three acres of land, serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years. Our curriculum blends Reggio Emilia principles, outdoor education, and Christian values, creating a learning environment that honors the whole child.

But our success isn’t just about what we offer children; it’s about how we invest in our team.

We believe that educators thrive in environments where they are supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. That’s why we offer mentorship, professional development, and a strong leadership team that walks alongside you every step of the way. From monthly training days to our in-house mentorship program, we’re committed to helping you succeed personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Our team members don’t just come to work; they come to a place where their voice matters, their gifts are used, and their faith can flourish.

At East Gate Kids, you'll find:

  • A culture of compassion and connection

  • A team that collaborates, supports, and celebrates each other

  • Leadership that is transparent, mission-led, and committed to your growth

childcare staff with children

If you’re looking to join a preschool that feels like family, values your calling as an educator, and provides meaningful opportunities to make a difference, East Gate Kids is the place for you.

Come be part of a legacy of love, learning, and lasting impact.

Here at East Gate Kids, career development for our team is the forefront of what we do. We offer twice the recommended amount of Professional Development for our team. 

East Gate is proud to work alongside The ECECD (Early Childhood Education and Care Department) Comprehensive Early Childhood Scholarship Program which makes it possible for early childhood professionals to afford the expense of taking coursework that leads to credentials and degrees.  Qualification requirements for Payment Incentive and Scholarship programs are established by ECECD.  All program awards are subject to funding availability.

Current Vacancies

We’re currently hiring for the following roles:

Floater

Classroom Floaters Needed at East Gate Kids! 🥰

Are you flexible, team-oriented, and love working with kids of all ages? If this sounds like you, then keep reading! At East Gate Kids, our Classroom Floaters are key to keeping things running smoothly.

This Role is Perfect If You:
✅ Enjoy working with a range of age groups
🧩 Love being flexible & filling in wherever help is needed
💬 Communicate clearly and work well with others
🧸 Bring warmth and reliability into every room

What You Get:
🎓 Paid Training + Monthly Team Days
💵 Competitive Pay & Perks
💗 A Loving, Faith-Led Team That Supports You
🌟 Daily Opportunities to Make a Difference

Apply now below and help us build joyful, safe learning spaces, one classroom at a time.

Infant Teacher

East Gate Kids in Albuquerque is looking for a caring Infant Teacher to provide a "home away from home" for our youngest family members. You'll be at the heart of our infant care program, ensuring that each child is safe, loved, and supported as they grow and explore.

Key Responsibilities:

🍼 Create and maintain individualized feeding and nap schedules

🎶 Introduce sensory play based on the Reggio Emilia approach (texture, soft music, light play)

🧴 Sanitize toys and surfaces to meet the highest health standards

📱 Provide daily updates to parents via our communication app

We’re Looking For:

🎓 High School Diploma or GED required

⏰ 45-hour Entry Level Course (or willingness to complete within 6 months)

🚑 Current First Aid and CPR certification

💪 Ability to lift 30 pounds and transition from floor to standing

❤️ Strong emotional intelligence to comfort both infants and parents

Benefits You’ll Love:

🌴 Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

🧸 Free Childcare

💵 Competitive Pay & Bonuses

👚 Free Uniform & Free Parking

🏥 Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

💆‍♀️ Mental Health Support & Scholarship Opportunities

✝️ Faith-Based, Purpose-Driven Work Culture

Apply now below and help us build joyful, safe learning spaces, one classroom at a time.

NM Pre-K Teacher

East Gate Kids is seeking a NM Pre-K Teacher who is passionate about helping children bridge the gap between play and kindergarten readiness. You will inspire young minds with creative lesson plans and foster a safe, loving environment for every child in your class.

Key Responsibilities:

📚 Develop and lead inquiry-based lesson plans meeting New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines

📸 Document learning stories through photos and portfolios

🗣️ Lead parent-teacher conferences twice a year

👩‍🏫 Mentor Assistant Teachers and Floater staff in the classroom

We’re Looking For:

🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field with 24+ ECE credits)

🏅 New Mexico Early Childhood Teacher License (preferred)

🧠 Experience with the Reggio Emilia philosophy

💻 Proficiency in classroom technology and documentation software

Benefits You’ll Love:

🌴 Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

🧸 Free Childcare

💵 Competitive Pay & Bonuses

👚 Free Uniform & Free Parking

🏥 Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

💆‍♀️ Mental Health Support & Scholarship Opportunities

✝️ Faith-Based, Purpose-Driven Work Culture

Apply now below and help us build joyful, safe learning spaces, one classroom at a time.

Van Driver

East Gate Kids is hiring a Van Driver to transport children safely to and from local schools. You’ll play a key role in ensuring that every child’s day begins and ends with care, safety, and a smile!

Key Responsibilities:

🚸 Safely transport school-age children to and from local schools

🔧 Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections daily

💺 Maintain a calm, friendly, and respectful atmosphere on the van

🔒 Strictly follow sign-in/sign-out safety protocols at every stop

We’re Looking For:

🎓 Must be 21+ years old with a clean NM Driving Record

🚑 Current First Aid and CPR certification (we provide training)

⏰ Strong time management and punctuality

🚦 Ability to stay calm and authoritative in traffic situations

Benefits You’ll Love:

🌴 Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

🧸 Free Childcare

💵 Competitive Pay & Bonuses

👚 Free Uniform & Free Parking

🏥 Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

💆‍♀️ Mental Health Support & Scholarship Opportunities

✝️ Faith-Based, Purpose-Driven Work Culture

Apply now below and help us build joyful, safe learning spaces, one classroom at a time.

Summer Program Staff

Help make this summer unforgettable for kids by joining East Gate Kids as a Summer Program Staff member. From outdoor adventures to crafting fun, engaging activities, you’ll create an exciting, safe environment where kids have the “Best Summer Ever!”

Key Responsibilities:

🏞️ Lead large-group outdoor games and activities on our three-acre campus

🎨 Facilitate weekly themed Summer Camp sessions (Science, Art, Faith, Sports)

👮‍♂️ Ensure child safety during field trips or water play days

We’re Looking For:

🎓 High School Diploma or equivalent

🏕️ Previous experience in summer camps or youth group settings

🌟 High energy and enthusiasm for working with kids

🌱 Basic knowledge of nature-based crafts and outdoor safety

Benefits You’ll Love:

🌴 Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

🧸 Free Childcare

💵 Competitive Pay & Bonuses

👚 Free Uniform & Free Parking

🏥 Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

💆‍♀️ Mental Health Support & Scholarship Opportunities

✝️ Faith-Based, Purpose-Driven Work Culture

Apply now below and help us build joyful, safe learning spaces, one classroom at a time.

If you’re nurturing, dependable, team-oriented, and passionate about children and Early Childhood Education, we’d love to hear from you!

Here's What Our amazing Team Have To Say

We LOVE our team and we're so proud to share some of their thoughts with you ....

Ready To Join Our Team?

Take the next step and apply today by filling in the form below:

We look forward to welcoming you into our family at East Gate Kids.

find us

12120 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque New Mexico 87123

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Copyright © 2026 East Gate Kids Early Learning Center