Explore careers in PreK and Head Start!

If you want to work directly with young children and set them up for future success, then PreK education might be the right career for you. 


Explore careers in PreK and Head Start!

If you want to work directly with young children and set them up for future success, then PreK education might be the right career for you. 


What Is PreK?

PreK educator Randy Orona conducts a simple science experiment with his students.
PreK is a program managed by the state of New Mexico that helps prepare 3- and 4-year-old children to learn and succeed in kindergarten and beyond. As a PreK educator, you’ll most likely work in a child care center or public school classroom. PreK educators and educator assistants work directly with children during the school day to plan and teach lessons, provide high-quality learning activities, and help children develop the social and emotional skills they’ll need for elementary school. PreK programs also need administrative professionals like PreK coordinators and program directors, as well as external support roles, such as PreK specialists and coaches/consultants.
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PreK educator Tara Hughes uses colorful toys to teach basic math skills to her students.

Featured Professional: Tara

“I love that I get to work every day with children who are just going to change the world one day.”
A day at work for Tara Hughes is all about making connections. She helps the children in her PreK classroom make connections between ideas and experiences, and also between each other.
Read Tara’s Story
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What Is Head Start?

Head Start educator Stephanie Aguino helps her students build with blocks.
Head Start is a federally funded program that was founded in the 1960s to provide high-quality educational and developmental support to children in low-income families. Like PreK, most Head Start programs also focus on school readiness for children ages 3 and 4. However, Early Head Start serves children ages birth to 3. Head Start also offers more whole-family supports than most PreK programs.
Unlike PreK, Head Start has income eligibility requirements, meaning families need to provide documentation of their income to qualify for the program. While in the past Head Start and PreK have been fairly distinct programs, the line between these programs is becoming more blurry, with some early childhood facilities offering services to both Head Start and PreK students within the same classroom. The availability of both Head Start and PreK varies in each community, so you’ll need to look into what programs are available in the location where you want to work.
As a Head Start educator, you’ll most likely work in a child care center or public school classroom. Head Start educators work directly with children during the school day to implement lesson plans, provide high-quality developmental activities, and prepare little ones with the social and emotional skills they’ll need for elementary school.

    Head Start is a federally funded program that was founded in the 1960s to provide high-quality educational and developmental support to children in low-income families. Like PreK, most Head Start programs also focus on school readiness for children ages 3 and 4. However, Early Head Start serves children ages birth to 3. Head Start also offers more whole-family supports than most PreK programs.

    Unlike PreK, Head Start has income eligibility requirements, meaning families need to provide documentation of their income to qualify for the program. While in the past Head Start and PreK have been fairly distinct programs, the line between these programs is becoming more blurry, with some early childhood facilities offering services to both Head Start and PreK students within the same classroom. The availability of both Head Start and PreK varies in each community, so you’ll need to look into what programs are available in the location where you want to work.

    As a Head Start educator, you’ll most likely work in a child care center or public school classroom. Head Start educators work directly with children during the school day to implement lesson plans, provide high-quality developmental activities, and prepare little ones with the social and emotional skills they’ll need for elementary school.

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    Featured Professional: Arlissa

    “I want to make that difference, I want to be a part of that difference, and it all starts with the little ones.”

    Arlissa Francisco’s journey into early childhood started as a volunteer, then as a part-time janitor, then as an educational assistant, and now, as a PreK lead teacher at To’Hajiilee Community School.

    Read Arlissa’s Story
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    PreK & Head Start Career Pathways

    Educators

    PreK and Head Start educators lead classroom instruction and supervision of young children from age 3 to the start of kindergarten. Educators may work independently or in tandem with educator assistants to plan and teach lessons that support children’s progress toward key milestones, which in New Mexico are called the Early Learning Guidelines. Educators do this through educational and guided play activities to help children meet developmental goals that will prepare them for kindergarten.

    Educators need to have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or they may have a teaching degree and at least 18 credit hours completed in early childhood education. Educators are also expected to fulfill annual training requirements, such as literacy training.

    Educational Assistants

    Educator assistants work with PreK or Head Start educators to plan lessons and guide children’s learning. Educator assistants need to hold an associate degree in early childhood education or be working toward one.

    Program Coordinators

    Coordinators help manage the administrative responsibilities within a PreK or Head Start program, such as data entry, classroom support, and documentation. In general, coordinators are expected to have an associate or bachelor’s degree, ideally one related to early childhood education.

    Program Directors

    Program directors manage individual PreK or Head Start programs, and take on even more responsibilities in centers that offer both traditional child care and PreK. Program directors are responsible for managing a program’s funding and ensuring compliance with state guidelines and standards. Depending on the size of the program, directors may also provide support to educators in the classroom.

    Program and center directors should have at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and several years of professional experience in a classroom setting.
      PreK educator Maria Herrera supervises her students as they play outside with water toys.

      How Do I Know If PreK or Head Start Is Right For Me?

      If you love working directly with children to help them learn and grow, then PreK or Head Start might be just the place for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind as you consider this career.

      Working with young children in the classroom as an educator or educator assistant can be a very physically active job. You’ll spend most of your day on your feet and will be expected to keep up with a classroom of small children. However, if you would prefer a career with less physical activity, program coordinator positions are another option in this field that might be a good fit.
      While PreK and Head Start professionals spend much of their time with children, they also need strong communication skills and a passion for serving whole families in order to work together with parents and caregivers to meet each child’s individual needs.
        Apply For PreK & Head Start Positions in Your Community

        Career Stories

        Discover stories of real New Mexico professionals in PreK and Head Start.

        Head Start educator Stephanie Aguino poses in her classroom

        Stephanie Aguino

        Head Start Educator
        Ohkay Owingeh

        Read Stephanie’s Story
        PreK educator Mikila Crespin poses in her classroom

        Mikila Crespin

        PreK Educator
        Silver City

        Read Mikila’s Story
        PreK educator Maria Herrera poses in her classroom

        Maria Herrera

        PreK Educator
        Roswell

        Read Maria’s Story
        PreK educator Randy Orona poses in his classroom

        Randy Orona

        Bilingual PreK Educator
        Santa Fe

        Read Randy’s Story

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