The Children’s Campus is a NAEYC-accredited center that provides early childhood services to the UNM community. The campus currently has 15 classrooms and serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years old.
The successful Early Childhood Teacher will create and establish an age-appropriate early childhood classroom, environment, and curriculum that supports the children's developmental needs while providing a stimulating and effective learning experience. They will supervise, guide, and train lower-graded teachers to ensure a consistent and cohesive space for children and families.
Teachers at the Children's Campus will work with children of all ages as we have a continuity of care model that promotes consistency with the teachers and children through a 5-year rotating model. Teachers will be assigned to a classroom and will remain with that group of children until they matriculate into kindergarten; the teacher will then start a new cohort with infants. Curriculum, assessments, and all required documentation are completed, delegated, and approved by the Early Childhood Teacher. The center and classrooms follow an annual program calendar, which includes deadlines for observation cycles, parent engagement events, parent-teacher conferences, and other deadlines relevant to specific age groups.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment- Ability to secure and maintain a valid UNM Driver's License.
- A valid New Mexico Driver's License, or ability to obtain a valid NM Driver's License within six months of hire, is required for this job.
- Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
- Must earn a Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education or related field. 1st course must be started within 6 months of DOH and 1 course completed each year thereafter. (Main Campus employees)
- Must obtain and maintain current adult, child & infant CPR and First Aid Certification. Initial certification must be achieved within 6 weeks of date of hire. (Main Campus employees).
- Must complete the NM 45-hour entry level training course, or equivalent, within 90 days of date of hire. (Main Campus employees)
- Successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and CYFD fingerprinting background check.
- Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
- If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.
Successful completion of at least 60 college-level credit hours; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred QualificationsExperience in:
- Classroom management in an early childhood setting
- Training specific to early childhood
- Supervision, guidance, and mentorship of support teaching staff
- Managing and training support staff
- Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing
- Experience with reflective practice
- Experience with NAEYC accreditation criteria
- Experience with ECECD Childcare Licensing Regulations
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site,please visit UNMJobsto submit an application.
Applicant must provide an updated resume and a cover letter.Positions posted with a Staff Type ofRegularorTermare eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See theVeteran Preference Program webpagefor additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visithttps://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer tohttps://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.htmlfor a definition of Regular Staff.
Freqently Asked Questions
In Albuquerque, early childhood teachers must obtain a valid New Mexico driver's license within six months and complete the state's 45-hour entry-level training course. These local certifications reflect regional childcare regulations, ensuring educators meet specific standards tailored to New Mexico’s early education system.
Working at The University of New Mexico Children’s Campus offers a unique continuity of care model, allowing teachers to stay with the same group of children through critical early years. This promotes stronger relationships but requires adaptability to rotating cohorts and adherence to strict accreditation and licensing standards.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, CPR/first aid certification, and experience managing support staff gain an edge. Familiarity with NAEYC accreditation and New Mexico’s childcare licensing regulations further distinguishes applicants in Albuquerque’s growing early education sector.
Daily tasks fluctuate with observation cycles, parent-teacher conferences, and engagement events scheduled annually. Teachers balance classroom curriculum delivery with documentation duties and staff supervision, adapting to developmental needs as children progress from infancy to kindergarten readiness.
The monthly pay ranges from approximately $3,135 to $4,033, which aligns competitively with Albuquerque’s early childhood education salaries. This reflects the university’s commitment to offering benefits and professional development opportunities commensurate with regional standards.
UNM supports continuous education through tuition remission and dependent education programs, encouraging staff to complete annual coursework. This institutional backing helps teachers enhance skills in classroom management, reflective practice, and compliance with childcare licensing regulations.
Yes, the university environment fosters innovative teaching methods and reflective practice, with opportunities to engage in NAEYC accreditation processes. Educators contribute to a research-informed curriculum designed to support diverse developmental needs from infancy through kindergarten.
Teachers must navigate ECECD childcare licensing regulations rigorously, impacting curriculum planning and documentation. Local policies emphasize safety, health standards, and staff qualifications, requiring educators to stay current with state-mandated training and background checks.
A frequent misconception is that early childhood teachers only supervise playtime; however, their role involves complex curriculum development, staff mentorship, and compliance with accreditation and licensing standards to foster holistic child development.
The position offers pathways to leadership through mentoring support staff and involvement in accreditation. Continuous education requirements and hands-on experience with diverse age groups prepare teachers for advanced roles in educational administration or specialized early childhood services.
Find The Related Jobs
Sunny Days, Inc.
Early Childhood Special Educator
Georgetown, DE
MISTAFF
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Roseville, MI
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Branch, MI
Clarifi Staffing Solutions
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Elburn, IL