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Early Childhood Educator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Preschool Director

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field * Have an Administrative Certificate or a willingness to obtain one * Have 3-5 years of experience in ...

Showing results 41-60

Early Childhood Educator information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$15

$24

How much do early childhood educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for early childhood educator in Rio Rancho, NM is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an early childhood educator?

Early Childhood Educators are professionals who work with young children, typically from birth to around eight years old, to support their learning, development, and well-being. They create safe and nurturing environments, plan and implement educational activities, and work closely with families to foster each child's growth. These educators play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success by promoting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

What does an early childhood educator do?

The job duties of an early childhood educator involve working to educate children between the ages of two and five in a school, daycare, or community program. In this career, your responsibilities include working to teach development skills that help prepare the students for elementary school. In addition to helping them learn academic skills, you may teach social, motor, and behavioral skills. You also create a lesson plan and syllabus and evaluate student development during the school year.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an early childhood educator?

To thrive as an Early Childhood Educator, you need a solid understanding of child development, educational theory, and typically a degree or certification in early childhood education. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, assessment software, and classroom management systems is often required. Strong communication, patience, creativity, and empathy are vital soft skills for connecting with young children and their families. These skills and qualifications are crucial for fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment that promotes healthy growth and development.

What collaborative opportunities are available for early childhood educators within a childcare center or preschool?

Early Childhood Educators often work closely with fellow teachers, teaching assistants, and specialists such as speech therapists or special education staff to create a supportive learning environment. Regular team meetings are common, allowing educators to share insights, coordinate lesson plans, and discuss strategies for addressing individual children's needs. Collaboration with families is also encouraged through parent-teacher conferences and daily communication, fostering a holistic approach to child development. These collaborative efforts not only enhance educational outcomes but also provide valuable professional support and learning opportunities for educators.

What is the difference between Early Childhood Educator vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectEarly Childhood EducatorPreschool Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or certificate in early childhood educationUsually requires a bachelor's degree in education or a related field
Work EnvironmentWorks in daycare centers, preschools, and community programsPrimarily employed in preschool classrooms within schools or private centers
Job FocusHolistic development, including social, emotional, and cognitive skillsFocuses on preparing children for kindergarten through structured lessons

While both roles involve working with young children, Early Childhood Educators typically have a broader focus on overall development and may hold different certifications. Preschool Teachers often have a higher level of formal education and work within school settings to prepare children for elementary education.

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Early Childhood Educator jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Early Childhood Educator job openings:

Infographic showing various Early Childhood Educator job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,264 per year, or $16 per hour.

Early Learning Assistant Site Director - Lowrance Family YMCA

YMCA of Central NM

Santa Fe, NM โ€ข On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with day-to-day operations and supervise classrooms.

  • Monitor curriculum implementation and oversee documentation, attendance, health records, and child assessments.

  • Assist with staff development, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with licensing regulations and policies.


Job description

Overview
Under the supervision of the Early Learning Program Director, Early Learning Assistant Site Director is responsible for supporting the Early Learning Program Director in providing effective leadership, administration, and daily operation of the YMCA Early Learning program. This position ensures high-quality early childhood education, regulatory compliance, staff development, family engagement, fiscal responsibility, and a safe, nurturing learning environment while advancing the YMCA mission.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with day-to-day operations and supervise classrooms.
  • Ensure compliance with ECECD licensing regulations, New Mexico PreK guidelines, CACFP, and YMCA policies.
  • Assist with enrollment, tours, family communication, and retention.
  • Coach, mentor, onboard, and evaluate staff.
  • Monitor curriculum implementation using Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
  • Oversee Brightwheel documentation, attendance, health records, and child assessments.
  • Maintain staffing ratios and assist with staff scheduling.
  • Promote child safety by ensuring Praesidium Guidelines, risk management procedures, emergency preparedness procedures, and abuse prevention policies are being implemented and met.
  • Assist with budgeting, purchasing, inventory, and fiscal accountability.
  • Coordinate monthly family engagement events and serve as a liaison between the YMCA and community partners.
  • Provide operational support to the School-Age Care program, including responding to staff call-ins and assisting with arranging or providing coverage as needed to maintain required staffing levels and program continuity.
  • Serve as Acting School-Age Site Coordinator in the Coordinator's absence, assuming assigned day-to-day operational responsibilities and decision-making authority within the scope of the position.
  • Serve as Acting Early Learning Program Director in the Director's absence.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Associate's degree in early childhood education or related field preferred; CDC with progress toward Associates considered.
  • Meet New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD) Assistant Director licensing requirements.
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Minimum two years of early childhood experience and one year of leadership experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, Creative Curriculum, CACFP, and the State of New Mexico licensing regulations.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Workspace, and database management systems.
  • Ability to build positive working relationships with families, staff, community partners, and government agencies.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Benefits
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • YMCA retirement contribution once eligible

Posted Salary Range
USD $52,000.00 - USD $57,000.00 /Yr.