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Head Start Program Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Head Start Teacher

Livonia, MI ยท On-site

$15 - $26.50/hr

The Head Start Teacher plans and implements a quality program of educational activities for pre-school children that encourages growth and development in a variety of areas. The Teacher also promotes ...

Showing results 41-60

Head Start Program Director information

See Michigan salary details

$25.7K

$68.2K

$119.4K

How much do head start program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in Michigan is $68,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $80,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Head Start Program Director?

A Head Start Program Director is responsible for overseeing the operations of a Head Start program, which provides early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. The director manages staff, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, develops program policies, and oversees budgets and grants. Their goal is to ensure that children are prepared for school and that families receive the support they need. This role also involves collaborating with community organizations and engaging with parents to strengthen program outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Head Start Program Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program administration, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards, ChildPlus software, and grant management systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing staff, building community partnerships, and ensuring program quality. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality educational services to children and families while maintaining compliance with federal and state requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Head Start Program Directors, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Head Start Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing compliance with federal regulations, managing diverse teams, and ensuring high-quality early childhood education for all children served. Candidates should be prepared to implement effective systems for staff supervision, budget management, and community engagement. Developing strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills is essential for addressing these challenges and fostering a positive, supportive environment for both staff and families.

What is the difference between Head Start Program Director vs Head Start Center Supervisor?

AspectHead Start Program DirectorHead Start Center Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or associate's degree; experience in early childhood education or supervision
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple centers or programs, administrative settingManages daily operations of a single center, direct supervision of staff
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, compliance, staff management, community relationsStaff supervision, classroom quality, parent engagement, daily operations

The Head Start Program Director typically oversees multiple centers and handles administrative and strategic responsibilities, requiring higher credentials. In contrast, the Head Start Center Supervisor manages daily operations at a single center, focusing on staff and classroom quality. Both roles are vital but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Head Start Program Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Head Start Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,155 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

$63K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Under the direction and guidance of the Program Manager of Child Services, the Education Supervisor is responsible for supervision and oversight of the day-to-day operations of Head Start centers. The Education Supervisor communicates with families and community representatives; supervises, monitors and trains all center staff; monitors compliance in all aspects of Head Start Performance Standards, State of Michigan Standards of Quality, and Child Care Licensing Regulations. The Education Supervisor will serve as the program administrator on the child care license of the center they are assigned to.
The Education Supervisor I supervises up to 6 classrooms, Education Supervisor II supervises more than 6 classrooms.
Depending on the assigned work location, this position may work between 44 and 52 weeks per year. The position is full time during all scheduled working periods.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field.
Knowledge and experience in developmentally appropriate practice, interactions and early childhood environments.
Must have or complete a minimum of two (2) semester hours or 3 CEUs in childcare administration within six (6) months of hire in accordance with the Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
Must have or complete within one (1) year of hire; Intro to Creative Curriculum; Pyramid Model Training
Two to five years of related and progressively more responsible experience in classroom teaching. Supervisory experience in the area of Early Childhood is preferred.
Must have strong supervisory, leadership and communication skills; experience in conflict resolution.
*Requirements are based on the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and are subject to change
Position Duties/Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day operations of assigned center(s), ensuring smooth workflow and alignment with agency goals
Establish and maintain a positive, healthy, and safe work and learning environment
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards and Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements
Monitor implementation of education services, school readiness goals, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF)
Participate in program planning, goal setting, and continuous quality improvement efforts
Represent the program positively within the community, coordinate efforts with community and Head Start classrooms (field trips, foster grandparent program, intern/practicum students, substitutes[subhub], volunteers)
Provide direct supervision to Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Classroom Assistants, Clerical Staff, Building Aides as assigned
Conduct interviews for the education department with coordination from the Program Manager of Child Services and HR Generalist
Implement and support a structured 90-day onboarding plan for new classroom staff in collaboration with HR Generalist and PD Manager
Complete annual staff evaluations and 90-day staff evaluations within required timelines
Ensure staff compliance with internal policies and procedures. Work closely with the program manager, head start program director, HR generalist, and HR director to prepare and issue corrective action plans and separations of employment when appropriate.
Provide classroom observations, monitoring of curriculum implementation, and active supervision. Create support plans and follow up as needed
Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, and training opportunities as identified and approved by the Program Manager to stay up to date on best practices.
Ensure effective and timely communication between staff and management
Maintain and monitor all required documentation, including staff files and licensing requirements, child records, training calendars and attendance, time sheets and sign-in sheets, in-kind documentation, inventory and supply records
Monitor facility conditions and submit work orders for repairs and maintenance
Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations including monitoring active supervision practices and classroom safety, implementing and documenting emergency preparedness procedures and drills, documenting all incidents (child, staff, or facility-related) and reporting as required, and monitoring and addressing support plans related to health, safety, and active supervision
Build and maintain responsive, respectful relationships with children and families
Work closely with transportation department to ensure proper staffing of bus monitors, family communication, field trips, late pick-ups/drops offs, bus scheduling, classroom coverage when appropriate, food preparation and pick up as assigned.
Coordinate with health and nutrition department for child health care plans, follow up on nutrition monitoring support plans, health supply orders, child allergies, nutrition experiences, CACFP compliance, and communicable disease reporting and follow up.
Support and participate in family engagement activities (e.g., Family Fun Nights, Parent Committees)
Collaborate with PFCE and ERSEA staff to support enrollment, transitions, and family needs
Coordinate with Disabilities Services Coordinators (DSC), Mental Health Specialists (MHS), and Local ISDs and community agencies including support referrals, evaluations, and service coordination for children and families, participate in integrated service meetings and case staffing, coordinate mental health consultations and classroom observations as needed, support implementation of Pyramid Model and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
Maintain inventory, monitor center budgets, expenditures, and financial records including ensuring timely processing of accounts payable and receivable
Ensure adequate staffing for daily operations and special events, adjust schedules and coordinate substitutes as needed
Schedule, facilitate, and document team meetings and child-focused meetings
Provide regular updates and reports to the Program Manager
Maintain required certifications and professional credentials
Frequent travel between multiple sites may be required
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Commitment to teamwork, continuous improvement, and high-quality early childhood education
Duties/Responsibilities of all Head Start Staff
Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, Michigan Child Care Licensing Regulations, and all other federal, state, and local regulations.
Adhere to CACS Personnel Policies and Procedures and Mission Statement.
Communicate clearly and accurately when writing and speaking. Maintain professional confidentiality.
Share information with the administrative team, supervisor, and/or support staff regarding areas of success and/or concern.
Participate in meetings to provide input regarding special and to assist in developing plans to meet those needs.
Attend all required meetings, conferences, training, etc.
Participate in Program Quality Assurance and Self-Assessment efforts.
Work openly and cooperatively in a team effort approach. Work at any site with any staff. Contribute ideas and efforts towards common goals. Help build and maintain a positive attitude, trust, and team spirit.
Personal appearance must be neat and appropriate.
Physical Requirements
Properly stoop, bend, lift, climb stairs, and expend moderate physical exertion.
Always interact with children in an appropriate and safe manner.
Follow universal safety precautions.
The above describes the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such person. Other duties may be assigned.
Must satisfactorily pass federal criminal history check with fingerprinting, physical exam and TB assessment, and drug screen at the time of hire and periodically thereafter pursuant to federal and state laws, Head Start Performance Standards, and Agency Policy and Procedures.
Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug free workplace, with pre-employment drug screening required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.