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Head Start Director Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Acelero Learning

Substitute Preschool Teacher

Milton, DE · On-site

$15.50/hr

The Substitute Preschool Teacher is responsible for a Head Start classroom with a direct focus on children 3 to 4 years of age. The Substitute Teacher will work collaboratively with one other teacher ...

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Head Start Director information

See Delaware salary details

$22K

$96.7K

$221.2K

How much do head start director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start director in Delaware is $96,694.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $125,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Head Start director?

Head Start Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of Head Start programs, which provide early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. They manage program staff, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and work to create a positive learning environment for children. Head Start Directors also handle budgeting, community outreach, and the development of educational strategies to meet the needs of their communities.

What does a Head Start director do?

The job duties of a Head Start director include overseeing the setup and day-to-day operations of a Head Start early education program. In this career, you ensure that the program meets Head Start standards and mandates. You provide leadership in developing and assessing the program, and you may hire and offer guidance to staff. You also oversee the implementation of early education teaching practices and ensure compliance with Head Start standards. This career may also include administrative responsibilities, such as securing funding and organizing a budget.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start director?

To thrive as a Head Start Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program administration, and compliance management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with federal Head Start Performance Standards, grant management systems, and data tracking tools like ChildPlus is essential. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster positive staff relationships and engage families effectively. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring program quality, regulatory compliance, and positive outcomes for children and families.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head Start director and how can they be addressed?

A Head Start Director often faces challenges such as managing limited resources, meeting strict regulatory requirements, and ensuring high-quality, inclusive programming for children and families. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership requires strong organizational and communication skills. Successful directors build supportive teams, foster ongoing staff development, and maintain open communication with families and community partners to address these challenges proactively.

What is the difference between Head Start Director vs Education Coordinator?

AspectHead Start DirectorEducation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education or related field; experience in program managementBachelor's or Master's in Education or Early Childhood; teaching or curriculum development experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple classrooms and staff in Head Start programs, manages budgets and complianceFocuses on curriculum implementation, teacher support, and classroom activities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, Head Start programsEducational institutions, Head Start programs, childcare centers

The Head Start Director manages the overall program, staff, and compliance, while the Education Coordinator focuses on curriculum and classroom support. Both roles require relevant early childhood credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities within the Head Start environment.

More about Head Start Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Head Start jobs in Delaware?

The most popular types of Head Start jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Start Director jobs in Delaware?

For Head Start Director jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Start Director jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Start Director jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Start Director jobs in DE?

For Head Start Director jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Head Start Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Director job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,694 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Teacher - Head Start (Greensboro)

Maryland Rural Development Corporation

Harrington, DE • On-site

$26.54 - $30.38/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual education plans for children, which help them to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. The teacher works collaboratively with the Site Supervisor and MRDC team.

Typical Duties:

  • Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children per guidance from the Education Coordinator, the ECE Specialist, and other leaders, individualizing instruction as necessary
  • Perform the functions with a understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards
  • Refer children suspected of having special needs or challenging behavior to appropriate staff
  • Implement behavior plans and IEPs designed with the team, families, schools, and mental health professionals, putting an emphasis on creating the least restrictive environment possible
  • Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
  • Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children
  • Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment, completed as per designated procedure
  • Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages creativity, curiosity, and exploration
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
  • Supervise children at all times and implement positive behavior management strategies
  • Attend training sessions, workshops, and staff meetings to enhance professional skills
  • Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
  • Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
  • Comes to work promptly every day
  • Works under stress and meets all deadlines
  • OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned by the Site Supervisor, Director, or Deputy Director

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Educations, or related field
  • Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
  • Must pass criminal background check in MD and surrounding states.
  • At least one year of early childhood classroom teaching experience preferred.
  • Experience working with children preferred

Required Skills/Qualifications

  • Knowledge of early childhood development principles
  • Strong classroom management skills
  • Effective communication and teamwork abilities
  • Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families

Physical Demand/Working Environment:

  • Classroom setting with young children (ages 3-5)
  • Occasional home visits or community engagement activities
  • Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching and is performed in a typical school environment
  • May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs

Terms of Employment:

  • Eleven (11) month position; subject to change to meet the demands of the center and the MRDC organization

Salary is based on Education and Experience: $26.54 - $30.38 per hour

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Training & Development