ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Start Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lyons HR, LLC

$25/hr

Director, Head Start Program Job Summary: This position is responsible for overseeing the physical sites of BBCF's Head Start centers, storage units and administrative offices including all building ...

Brightpoint

Head Start Center Supervisor

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$28.10 - $28.11/hr

JOB SUMMARYThe Head Start Center Supervisor is responsible for managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions of an individual Brightpoint Head Start site. The ...

Brightpoint

Head Start Center Supervisor

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Head Start Center Supervisor is responsible for managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions of an individual Brightpoint Head Start site. The ...

Brightpoint

Head Start Center Supervisor

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$28.10 - $28.11/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Head Start Center Supervisor is responsible for managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions of an individual Brightpoint Head Start site. The ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Winona, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

Perform teaching tasks as directed by supervisor and as outlined in curriculum. * Responsible for home visits for each family and child to assist with understanding the goals of the Head Start ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Poplar Bluff, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

Perform teaching tasks as directed by supervisor and as outlined in curriculum. * Responsible for home visits for each family and child to assist with understanding the goals of the Head Start ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Doniphan, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

Perform teaching tasks as directed by supervisor and as outlined in curriculum. * Responsible for home visits for each family and child to assist with understanding the goals of the Head Start ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Ellington, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

Perform teaching tasks as directed by supervisor and as outlined in curriculum. * Responsible for home visits for each family and child to assist with understanding the goals of the Head Start ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Ellsinore, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

Perform teaching tasks as directed by supervisor and as outlined in curriculum. * Responsible for home visits for each family and child to assist with understanding the goals of the Head Start ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 14, 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 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 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 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 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,611 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Teacher

East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporati

Lawrence, KS

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

SUPERVISOR: Area Manager 

SUPERVISES: Teacher Aides 

WORK PERIOD: 10, 11.5 months per year

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-Exempt  


POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for the supervision of the Head Start classroom day-to-day operations and facilitate the involvement of parents and community members in the Head Start program. Collaborate with Coordinators to insure an integrated balance of Head Start services as per the program work plans to meet Head Start Performance Standards. Additionally, must have knowledge of and support the Agency's mission, vision and code of ethics and strategic plan for helping people, changing lives. No overtime may be worked without prior authorization. Overtime must be approved in advance by the Head Start Director. Must comply with drug and alcohol-free workplace policy. Position contingent upon continued program funding. Hiring subject to Policy Council approval. 


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for overseeing the educational aspects of the classroom, including staff and volunteers.
  • Promote the Head Start philosophy and educational objectives. 
  • Maintain an appropriate classroom environment needed to support the goals of the education component. 
  • Maintain a safe, orderly and clean learning environment. 
  • Provide supervision of children. 
  • Communicate with children at their developmental level. 
  • Participate in activities with the children. 
  • Assess children's needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis. 
  • Develop and implement weekly lesson plans. 
  • Enter all data or information for any files or programs that are part of the program. 
  • Promote and participate with healthy eating at meal times. 
  • Ensure two home visits and two parent teacher conferences are conducted by teaching staff each program year for each child. 
  • Supervise teacher aides in the classroom.
  • Orchestrate and manage developmentally appropriate environment for pre-school age children.
  • Attend staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training provided by the agency. 
  • Support the ECKAN code of ethical conduct. 
  • Maintain confidentiality of all agency information. 
  • Maintain accurate and up to date records per policies and procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Development.
  • Be able to pass required KBI, background and health tests. 
  • Good written and oral communication skills. 
  • Must be able to participate in daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds.
  • Possess a valid driver's license and comply with ECKAN insurance standards, as applicable.
  • General office and computer skills.

Apply