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Head Start Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

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EARLY HEAD START SPECIALIST

Jackson, MS · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Prepares and submits program reports as required. Recruit children for enrollment in Early Head Start. Recruit volunteers and in-kind contributions. Training Participates in team planning sessions.

Opportunities for Otsego

Head Start Director

Oneonta, NY · On-site

$81K - $89K/yr

Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of three and four year old children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social ...

Opportunities for Otsego

Head Start Director

Oneonta, NY

$1.5K - $1.7K/wk

Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of three and four year old children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social ...

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Head Start Program information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in a Head Start Program, and how are they typically addressed?

Staff in a Head Start Program often face challenges such as managing classrooms with diverse needs, engaging families from various backgrounds, and meeting federal and state compliance standards. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing professional development, strong team collaboration, and access to resources like family liaisons and mental health consultants. Additionally, staff receive support from administrators and are encouraged to participate in regular training to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

What is a Head Start Program?

A Head Start Program is a federally funded initiative in the United States that provides early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. The goal of the program is to help prepare young children, typically ages 3 to 5, for success in school and beyond by supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs are free for eligible families and often include comprehensive services such as health screenings, nutritional meals, and family support. The program also encourages strong family engagement and community partnerships. Services are delivered in a variety of settings, including centers, schools, and in some cases, homes.

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

To thrive as a Head Start Program Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and compliance with federal Head Start regulations, usually supported by a relevant degree and administrative experience. Familiarity with child assessment tools, data management systems, and state licensing requirements is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills help foster a positive environment for staff, children, and families. These capabilities ensure effective program delivery, regulatory compliance, and improved outcomes for underserved children and communities.

What is the difference between Head Start Program vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectHead Start ProgramPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsEarly childhood education certification or CDA, background checksEarly childhood education certification or CDA, background checks
Work EnvironmentHead Start centers, community settings, sometimes home visitsPreschools, childcare centers, private or public schools
Employer & Industry UsageFederal-funded program serving low-income familiesPrivate, public, or charter schools providing preschool education

While both roles focus on early childhood education, Head Start Program staff work within federally funded programs emphasizing comprehensive services for low-income children and families. Preschool Teachers typically work in various educational settings, focusing on classroom instruction. The main difference lies in program scope, funding, and target populations.

More about Head Start Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Start Program jobs? Cities with the most Head Start Program job openings:
What states have the most Head Start Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Start Program jobs include:
Head Start Program jobs near you
Head Start Program Director

Head Start Program Director

Ulster County Community Action Committee

Kingston, NY • On-site

$61K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Join the Ulster County Community Action Committee as a Full-Time Head Start Program Director and make a significant impact in the lives of young children and their families in Kingston! This onsite role offers the opportunity to lead innovative early childhood education initiatives, shape curriculum development, and foster community partnerships. You’ll work with a passionate team dedicated to empowering children and igniting their potential.

The expected pay for this exciting position ranges from $61,000 to $65,000 a year, providing you with a competitive salary that reflects your expertise and commitment to early childhood education. As a team member you'll be able to enjoy benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Competitive Salary, Paid Time Off, and Retirement SEP-IRA. If you’re ready to lead transformative programs that enrich the lives of children, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of our mission!

Your day to day as a Head Start Program Director

As the Full-Time Head Start Program Director at Ulster County Community Action Committee, you will be responsible for managing the complete Head Start program. This includes overseeing the development and implementation of educational curricula, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and coordinating staff training and development. You will drive program quality while fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for children and their families. Your leadership will be crucial in managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and building meaningful partnerships within the community.

This role offers you the chance to shape the future of early childhood education in Kingston while making a lasting impact on the lives of those you serve.

What you need to be successful

To excel as the Full-Time Head Start Program Director at Ulster County Community Action Committee, you will need a strong set of skills and competencies. Exceptional organizational and planning skills are essential to manage the comprehensive program effectively. Your ability to supervise staff while fostering a collaborative environment will be crucial for team success.

You should possess leadership capabilities to inspire and guide your team in achieving program goals. A firm understanding of federal and state regulations will ensure compliance and accountability within the program. Additionally, experience in budget development and maintenance is vital for assessing financial performance and resource allocation.

With these skills, you will be well-equipped to lead a transformative early childhood education program in Kingston.

Knowledge and skills required for the position are:

  • Organizational
  • planning skills; supervisory
  • ability to develop a budget and maintain controls
  • leadership
  • understanding of federal & state regulations
Join our team today!

If you have these qualities and meet the basic job requirements, we'd love to have you on our team. Apply now using our online application!

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