ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Start Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plano ISD

Assistant Head Start

Plano, TX · On-site

$15/hr

Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or Head Start Director * Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and Head Start * Follow all rules, regulations and policies ...

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $32.52/hr

Under the direction of the Center Director, the Early Head Start Teacher must develop and implement appropriate classroom activities. Create a classroom environment favorable to learning and personal ...

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

Spring Valley, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $32.52/hr

Under the direction of the Center Director, the Early Head Start Teacher must develop and implement appropriate classroom activities. Create a classroom environment favorable to learning and personal ...

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $32.52/hr

Under the direction of the Center Director, the Early Head Start Teacher must develop and implement appropriate classroom activities. Create a classroom environment favorable to learning and personal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHead Start JobsHead Start Director Jobs

Head Start Director information

See salary details

$22K

$96.6K

$221K

How much do head start director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start director in the United States is $96,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Head Start Director?

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 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.

What are Head Start Directors?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start Director, and why are they important?

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.
More about Head Start Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Start Director jobs? Cities with the most Head Start Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Head Start jobs? The most popular types of Head Start jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Head Start Director jobs? The top employers for Head Start Director jobs are:
What states have the most Head Start Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Start Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Head Start Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Head Start Director jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Start Director jobs? For Head Start Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Head Start Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,611 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Head Start - Education / Disabilities Consultant

Region 14 Education Service Center

Abilene, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Consultant/Head Start Education / Disabilities Consultant
Date Posted:
5/5/2026
Location:
Center for Federal Programs
Closing Date:
Until filled.
GOAL:
Provide leadership and technical assistance for school districts serving Early Head Start and Head Start children from birth to five.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's Degree preferred.
  • Valid Texas Teaching certification in Special Education or current licensure in a related field with experience in early childhood settings.
  • Five or more years of experience providing direct instruction or related services to children with disabilities (ages 3-5 in early childhood settings).
  • Experience with testing and evaluating students with disabilities.
  • Experience facilitating professional development or adult learning.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in coaching and mentoring adult professionals.
  • Proven history of effective leadership within special education or early learning programs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:
Program Planning/Organizational Skills
  • Maintain awareness of Early Head Start/Head Start Performance Standards and ESC Policy, and disseminate information regarding curriculum and children with disabilities to support staff, Early Head Start/Head Start classroom staff.
  • Work cooperatively with school districts to support the implementation of Early Head Start/Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Responsible for education, disabilities, transition, and coaching portions of the Performance Standards.
  • Ensure that proper and adequate documentation is maintained, in accordance with job-related confidentiality.
  • Coordinate with other ESC staff concerning reports, policies, and guidelines for Head Start.
  • Assist Head Start Director in writing Refunding Application-Early Head Start/Head Start Grant, as necessary.
  • Assist with completion of Program Information Report.
  • Assist with completion of Community Assessment.
  • Assist with Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA).
  • Assist Head Start Director in writing Region 14 Head Start Training Plan.
  • Provide training to Language Facilitators, substitutes, and volunteers.
  • Develop and coordinate a yearly calendar of events.
  • Establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with Head Start staff and childcare partners.
  • Understand and administer CLASS and environmental checklist.
  • Implement Practice-Based Coaching with the assigned educators through modeling of effective teaching practices, focused observation, shadowing, video observation, reflective feedback, and other training and technical assistance.
  • Provide training and staff support to prioritize children's safety.

Fiscal Management
  • Assist Head Start Director by making recommendations for budget preparation.
  • Produces documentation to support expenditures as authorized by the Head Start Director.
  • Utilize cost-effective methods of reaching identified objectives.

Leadership
  • Demonstrate leadership in the development of decisions and innovations affecting the education of Early Head Start and Head Start children.
  • Assist in guiding the daily work of Early Head Start/Head Start staff in implementing the Early Head Start/Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Provide leadership and direction in recruitment, eligibility, and enrollment of Early Head Start and Head Start children.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with community agencies, ECI, and SSAs.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and initiative.
  • Provide training for classroom staff in meeting Early Head Start/Head Start Standards and correcting deficits identified during self-assessment and federal reviews.
  • Assist and monitor delegate activities.
  • Prepare and analyze program, classroom, and individual child data to guide program improvement, training opportunities, and assisting teachers in providing differentiated learning based on child needs.
  • Provide training and oversight to Parent Language Facilitators

Communication Skills
  • Demonstrate effective/positive communication techniques and utilizes proper communication channels with administrators, teachers, students, parents, and ESC staff.
  • Maintain positive contacts with outside service providers as needed.

Consultative and Technical Assistance
  • Demonstrate accessibility through regular campus visits.
  • Respond to Early Head Start/Head Start staff requests for assistance through workshops and other services including follow-up services, training, and selection of programs to meet identified needs based on data analysis.
  • Assist in providing parent training to meet Early Head Start/Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Attend A.R.D. Committee meetings/I.F.S.P. meetings for Early Head Start/Head Start children with disabilities, upon request.
  • Facilitate and monitor documentation for the disabilities component of Early Head Start/Head Start.
  • Disseminate information and provides training to personnel on materials/activities/accommodations for children with disabilities and in all curriculum areas as designated by ARD committees and IEP goals.
  • Assist Early Head Start/Head Start staff in locating appropriate resources for families of children with disabilities, making referrals as needed, and helping teachers with writing SIP if needed.
  • Provide one-on-one mentor/coaching using Practice-Based coaching to individualize professional development for Head Start and Early Head Start teachers.
  • Responsible for attending, coordinating, and training in CIRCLE and data analysis for Early Childhood Data Systems.
  • Providing technical support for Head Start/Early Head Start staff with the web based platform.
  • Provide leadership and ongoing communication about best practices, research, and trends in infant/toddler and preschool education.
  • Provide technical assistance to school staff as needed on room arrangement, curriculum, screening assessment, parent communication, and training needs through mentor/coaching.
  • Assess classroom effectiveness through checklist and observation tools and utilize the results to set action plan goals with teachers during coaching as well as to plan training materials acquisition.
  • Support the current curriculums used by the Region 14 Head Start Program.

Human Relations
  • Demonstrate professional courtesy during personal interactions with LEAs and ESC staff.
  • Respond promptly to requests/inquiries by LEAs, Early Head Start/Head Start staff, and parents.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to cooperate with other staff members for the achievement of common goals.
  • Display an attitude of personal and professional concern in group and individual settings.

Specialized Knowledge
  • Seek training in professional areas and provides up-to-date information regarding the Early Head Start/Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Recommend and prepare effective in-service and instructional resources for staff and clients.
  • Recommend a variety of human and instructional resources appropriate for meeting children's needs.

Personal and Professional Image
  • Maintain self-control and good working relations with other staff, LEAs, and parents when facing problems and frustrations.
  • Exhibit enthusiasm, self-motivation and maintain a professional appearance toward fulfilling job assignment requirements.
  • Participate and cooperate in community activities that are ESC related.

Apply