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Child Development Director Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

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Center Director

Roswell, NM · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Certifications: (1) Ability to obtain State Center Director certification within the first three weeks of employment. (2) Applicant will be required to complete a Child Development Certificate (CDA ...

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Child Development Director information

See New Mexico salary details

$15.5K

$92.7K

$172.5K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in New Mexico is $92,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child development director do?

A Child Development Director oversees the daily operations of early childhood education programs, such as preschools or daycare centers. They are responsible for managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for young children. Their role also includes communicating with parents, setting policies, and maintaining the overall quality of the program. In addition, Child Development Directors often handle budgeting and enrollment processes to ensure the center runs smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and a relevant degree—often with state-specific director credentials. Knowledge of child assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and relationship-building skills help foster positive environments for children, staff, and families. These abilities ensure high-quality programming, regulatory adherence, and supportive learning environments that promote healthy child development.

What are some common challenges faced by a child development director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Child Development Director often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with fostering a positive, engaging environment for both children and staff. Managing staff turnover, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation can also be demanding. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and building strong relationships with parents and the community are essential strategies to address these challenges. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving helps create a supportive and thriving learning environment.

What is the difference between Child Development Director vs Preschool Director?

AspectChild Development DirectorPreschool Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in early childhood education or related field, along with experience in child developmentOften requires a high school diploma or associate's degree, with experience in preschool management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or facilities, focusing on child development policies and staff supervisionManages daily operations of a preschool, including staff, curriculum, and parent relations
Industry UsageUsed in non-profit, government, or large childcare organizationsCommon in private preschools and daycare centers

The Child Development Director typically has a broader scope, focusing on program development and child welfare across multiple settings, while the Preschool Director manages daily operations within a specific preschool. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scale and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in New Mexico?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in New Mexico are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in New Mexico?

For Child Development Director jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in New Mexico are:

Child Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,748 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Child Care Specialist

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Santa Fe Recovery Center, Incexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

SUMMARY:


The Childcare Specialist, under the supervision of the Children’s Coordinator, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children whose mothers are participating in SFRC’s residential or are receiving services through the LAUNCH outpatient program. This role includes supervising children, preparing and leading age-appropriate activities, and assisting with meals and snacks. The Childcare Specialist ensures all tasks are performed in compliance with SFRC policies to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children.

Requirements:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides care for children: including setting schedules and routines, grooming, feeding, changing diapers, and cleaning rooms and toys.
  • Develops and encourages age-appropriate learning and socialization to ensure children learn basic skills and concepts, such as communication, manners, sharing, etc.
  • Maintains a safe workplace by monitoring children for health, behavioral, and emotional issues and reporting concerns to staff and parents.
  • Helps children discover new interests by introducing them to art, music, sports, and other potential hobbies.
  • Ensures children are learning positive behaviors and providing guidance or approved discipline, as needed.
  • Prepares children to enter the next level of care or for entry into school.
  • Facilitate Circle of security parenting classes and encourage the caregiver to reflect on the children's attachment needs to secure attachment with the child.
  • Maintains records relating to childcare. Completes daily documentation of each child in InSync. Adds children's demographics to Unite Us platform.
  • Works with mothers to help children progress towards educational and behavioral goals.
  • Assists with admissions and discharges of mothers and children including setting up bedrooms to meet child’s needs, tracking inventory of supplies given to mother, giving a tour of the childcare facility, and reviewing childcare guidelines and policies.
  • Works with clinical, medical, and direct supervisors to make referrals to the appropriate outside organizations when needed.
  • Monitors inventory of supplies needed for childcare. If items are needed, a purchase requisition needs to be written and approved by the approved staff.
  • Data collection and other grant related tasks assigned by the direct supervisor. When childcare duties are not required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

  1. Strong understanding of the stages of childhood development.
  2. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  3. Able to communicate with and take direction from the staff at various levels, clients, family members, and community service providers.
  4. Possess skills that promote teamwork and critical thinking/problem-solving.
  5. Possess decisiveness, patience, and stamina to chase after, lift, or carry children.
  6. Must be able to lift packages that contain baby/children’s items.
  7. Sound understanding of all federal and state regulations including HIPAA and OSHA.
  8. Must be computer literate in meeting requirements for use of Electronic Health Record systems, enterprise resource planning software, and other electronic platforms.

Education and Experience:

  1. High school diploma or GED is required.
  2. New Mexico Early Care, Education, and Family Support, 45- hours Entry Level Course or equivalent is required.
  3. Associate's degree in early child development/child development is preferred.
  4. At least one year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  5. Minimum 21 years of age.
  6. Current certificates in CPR and First Aid.
  7. Must have and maintain a current, valid NM Driver’s License.
  8. Must have and maintain a clean driving record, as well as auto insurance.
  9. Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural preferred (English/Spanish).