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Early Head Start Teacher Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Early Head Start Teacher information

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How much do early head start teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for early head start teacher in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an Early Head Start Teacher?

To become an Early Head Start Teacher, candidates typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, with many programs preferring or requiring an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Relevant experience working with infants and toddlers, along with CPR and first aid certifications, is often required. State-specific licensing or background checks may also be necessary before employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Early Head Start teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Early Head Start Teacher, you need expertise in early childhood development, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree in early childhood education, and familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards. Experience with child assessment tools, lesson planning software, and classroom management systems is often required. Strong communication, patience, cultural sensitivity, and relationship-building skills are critical for engaging with young children and their families. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate education and foster a supportive learning environment for children from diverse backgrounds.

What is an Early Head Start teacher?

An Early Head Start Teacher is an early childhood education professional who works with infants, toddlers, and their families in the federally funded Early Head Start program. Their primary responsibilities include creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, planning and implementing age-appropriate activities, and supporting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. They also partner with families to promote positive parent-child relationships and help connect them to community resources. Early Head Start Teachers play a vital role in supporting young children's growth during their most critical developmental years.

What do Early Head Start teachers do?

Early Head Start teachers plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers, focusing on their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. They observe and assess children's progress, communicate with families, and collaborate with colleagues to support each child's growth in a classroom or home-based setting, often requiring early childhood education credentials and certifications.

What is the difference between Early Head Start Teacher vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectEarly Head Start TeacherPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent, early childhood education creditsChild Development Associate (CDA) or similar credentials, early childhood education credits
Work EnvironmentInfants and toddlers in Head Start programs, often in community settingsPreschool-aged children in daycare or preschool settings
Employer & IndustryHead Start programs, non-profit organizations, government-fundedPrivate preschools, daycare centers, public schools

Early Head Start Teachers focus on infants and toddlers in Head Start programs, emphasizing early development and family engagement. Preschool Teachers work with older preschool children, preparing them for kindergarten. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in early childhood education, but they serve different age groups and settings.

What are some common challenges Early Head Start teachers face when supporting infants and toddlers from diverse backgrounds?

Early Head Start Teachers often encounter the challenge of meeting the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This requires adapting lesson plans and communication styles, building trust with families, and providing individualized support to ensure every child thrives. Close collaboration with families and other educational specialists is essential to address developmental delays or special needs. Teachers also balance administrative tasks, documentation, and classroom management while maintaining a nurturing, safe environment for young children.
What job categories do people searching Early Head Start Teacher jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Early Head Start Teacher jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Early Head Start Teacher jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Early Head Start Teacher job openings:

Early Head Start Teacher

Presbyterian Medical Services

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Presbyterian Medical Services rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

$2500 Sign-on Bonus

PAY RANGE: $19.90 - $28.96 hourly, dependent upon education

JOB CATEGORY: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION / EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START / ECE

POSITION SUMMARY: This position serves in a classroom to provide an appropriate social and emotional environment in order to expand the child's ability to learn and grow. Provides daily guidance to classroom staff. Works in a classroom-based setting with typically and atypically developing children. Position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE - EARLY HEAD START TEACHER I:

  • High School Diploma / GED and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC), or equivalent; OR
  • High School Diploma / GED and a one year certificate in Early Childhood Education upon hire; OR
  • AA/AAS degree with 29 credits in Early Childhood Education and experience teaching infants/toddlers; OR
  • BA/BS degree with 45 credits in Early Childhood Education and experience teaching infants/toddlers; OR
  • AA/AAS, BA/BS or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Multicultural Education, Child Development.
  • It is the responsibility of the employee to renew the Child Development Associate (CDA) before the expiration date, as appropriate.
  • Previous experience working in early childhood with children ages birth through three years preferred.
  • Bilingual Spanish or Navajo preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

  • Have or be able to obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire. Certifications must meet the requirements listed in the document "BLS / CPR / ACLS & First Aid Training Resources" posted on Staurolite. It is your responsibility to keep your certifications current at all times.

EARLY HEAD START IN-SERVICE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

For those assigned to work with infants and toddlers, the following trainings are required:

  • Training in safety issues.
  • Training in effective communication with infants, toddlers, their parents, and other staff.

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires successful completion of an initial post-offer of employment: 

  • Health exam (and annually thereafter in accordance with PMS Policies). 
  • TB Test (and upon exposure in accordance with PMS Policies). 

In accordance with the federal Head Start Act, Section 648A(g) and the New Mexico Administrative Code 8.8.3., this position requires: 

  • Criminal Background Checks.

BONUSES

$500 EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUS

  • All bonuses subject to tax withholding and eligibility requirements.

ABOUT PMS

  • Founded in 1969, PMS is a non-profit organization with over 1,300 employees providing services at 100+ locations in New Mexico.
  • Our diverse services include primary care, dental, behavioral health, early childhood education, supportive living, and senior programs.
  • We concentrate our resources on meeting the needs of underserved areas of New Mexico.
  • We operate the largest network of federally qualified health centers in the state.
  • PMS is not affiliated with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Presbyterian Hospitals or Presbyterian Health Plan.

WHY PMS?

  • Mission-driven organization
  • Competitive salaries
  • Nine paid holidays and generous PTO
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance 
  • Free Life & LTD coverage
  • Free discretionary pension plan contribution
  • Employee recognition and engagement activities
  • Robust training program
  • Tuition reimbursement

EOE/AA/M/F/SO/Vet/Disability


What Presbyterian Medical Services employees say

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About Presbyterian Medical Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Presbyterian Medical Services, we believe that the best way to improve community health and wellbeing is for everyone to work together. That’s why we work collaboratively with community groups, school districts, local providers, hospitals, and governments at every level. Together, we develop programs and services that meet the needs of the people living within these communities, and we continue expanding into communities that invite our involvement.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sante Fe, NM, US

Year founded

1969