Head Start and Pre-K Programs Accepting Applications

By Misty Cryer

Last summer, some anxiety was expressed by parents due to the uncertainty of funding for the local Head Start program. Fortunately, the program did continue and is now operated by Youth Development, Inc. (YDI) who also offers a pre-K program, summer programs, and supportive services for families. The non-profit organization is currently accepting applications for the programs and has job openings.

Janice Rodriguez of Loving is overseeing the Head Start and Pre-K programs in Carlsbad, Artesia, Dexter, and Roswell as Senior Associate Director for YDI. “I began my role with YDI in February 2026 and am honored to support early childhood education across our communities,” said Rodriguez.

“YDI offers both Head Start and Pre-K programs at no cost to qualifying families. These programs provide high-quality early education while also supporting the entire family through health, nutrition, and family services,” said Rodriguez.

Family Service Specialists assist families in signing up for the programs in Carlsbad Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1915 San Jose Blvd., said Rodriguez. She encourages all families, including those in Loving and surrounding areas, to apply so eligibly can be determined.

Explaining that YDI has different funding sources, Debra Baca, VP of Early Childhood Education and Family Development for YDI, said while Head Start is associated with low-income families, the addition of the pre-K program which has no income eligibility, offers an option for families that are over-income for Head Start. Wrap-around services for childcare subsidies are also offered. “There is something for everyone,” she said.

“I’ve seen firsthand as a former principal at Carlsbad Municipal Schools that when we invest in early childhood education, we change futures,” said Rodriguez. “Through YDI’s Head Start and Pre-K programs, we’re making sure every child in our community has that opportunity,” she said.

YDI became the grantee for the local Head Start program on December 1, 2025, said Robert Chavez, CEO of YDI. Established in 1971, YDI is celebrating 55 years this year. “We started out working with youth,” he said, mentioning gang intervention, substance abuse, and a drop-in center.

“Over the years, we have grown to be the most comprehensive non-profit,” said Chavez. He said they provide a variety of services including early childhood services; prevention, intervention, and behavioral health services; education, employment, and training; to name a few.

“We learned early on that in order to make an impact in the child, we have to work with the whole family and help the whole family with supportive services.”

These services, Chavez explained, are based on need assessments for children, families, and communities. He said YDI has outreach services and is looking at how they can help support the community by partnering with other agencies or finding financial resources to fill the gaps.

When awarded the Head Start grantee for Eddy and Chavez counties, Chavez said YDI found there were about 170 children on waiting lists that had not received early childhood services. “We reached out to the state department and were able to do a partnership where they provided pre-K funding to serve those additional 170 children,” he said.

“This doubled the program size,” said Baca.

With increased need in Eddy and Chavez counties, Chavez said YDI has the ability to expand services. “We have job openings for staff, and for entry we can provide training,” he said.

As an early childhood education provider, YDI can participate in pay parity offered by the state. “It basically pays the teachers the same salary as those educators in elementary, middle school, and high school,” said Chavez. “We are always looking for individuals to work for us to help expand our workforce and serve more children,” he said.

Specific to Carlsbad, Baca said they need four more educators. “We have one pre-K classroom that is not open because we don’t have staff,” she said.

Baca said they could also use substitutes, what they call Center Aides. She said there are flexible hours and those who work 30 hours or more are entitled to full benefits including health insurance, retirement, vision, disability, sick leave, and annual leave.

“As an employer, we really look hard at how we can be competitive, not only with salary, but offering excellent benefits,” said Baca.

“We want to continue to grow based on community needs. We need the communities helping us to get folks in our positions. YDI pays 90% of the benefits and our pay is competitive, so hopefully folks will want to join the YDI team,” said Chavez.

“We currently have openings in Carlsbad and in other areas I oversee,” said Rodriguez. Job seekers can apply by visiting the YDI website at ydinm.org.