ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Start Program Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Ripley, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Alamo, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Moscow, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Covington, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division : U.S. Programs & Advocacy Summary ... Positively promote Head Start in the community. * Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Covington, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division : U.S. Programs & Advocacy Summary ... Positively promote Head Start in the community. * Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Covington, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division : U.S. Programs & Advocacy Summary ... Positively promote Head Start in the community. * Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to ...

Save the children

Assistant Teacher I

Ripley, TN · On-site

$15.10/hr

Teacher, Head Start or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsHead Start Program JobsHead Start Program Director JobsHead Start Program Director Jobs in Tennessee

Head Start Program Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.8K

$71K

$124.3K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in Tennessee is $70,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee? For Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Head Start Program Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Head Start Program Director job openings:
Head Start Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,972 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Program Aide On-Call

Save the children

Ripley, TN • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Save The Children rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Position Title: Program Aide on call/Substitutes
Employee Type: Part-Time/Full-Time Regular
Supervisor Title: Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director
Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs
Save the Children
For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world's hardest-to-reach places - over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you're creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.
The Role
Program Aides On-Call are generalists, responsible for providing educational, relational and social experiences for infants, toddlers and/or preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. This position reports to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may be expected to travel to the various program sites and/or home visits.
You may be assigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes/cafeterias/kitchens as deemed necessary for the functioning of the program operations and will also assist with daily classroom management and other duties and may be assigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
As a frontline representative of Save the Children, Program Aides are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with and adhere to the agency's values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.
What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)
*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change
  • Application of clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job.
  • Organize self and manage time to get things done.
  • Keep manager informed of important issues.
  • Build effective relationships within workgroup and with children/families.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Classroom Assistance
  • Assist classroom staff in all classroom activities.
  • Assist the Teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
  • Serve as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Janitorial Assistance
  • Provide custodial support as needed; this could include but is not limited to picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming or using industrial cleaning equipment to clean floors, clean and stock bathrooms, ensure buildings are secure, clean windows and minor building maintenance and repairs.
  • May serve as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian on a periodic basis.

Kitchen Assistance
  • Complete routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned (e.g. dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).
  • Prepare food and serve items for service prior to or after use. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
  • Participate in food service clean up, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
  • Substitute for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
  • May be asked to assist Cook and or Assistant Cook to fulfill kitchen duties, in any capacity.
  • Responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.

Other General Job Duties
  • May be required to serve as a Bus Monitor.
  • Attend all workshops and meetings as necessary.
  • Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities.
  • Responsible for gaining understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
  • Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
  • Positively promote Head Start in the community.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with Save the Children Head Start Employee Handbook, Save the Children Head Start Human Resources Policies and Procedures, manuals and resources and adhere to them.

Required Qualifications
  • Must be at minimum 18 years of age.
  • Minimum high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Certification as applicable by federal, state or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future.
  • Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
  • Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Demonstrated ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well and communicate effectively with staff, parents and families.
  • Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
  • Demonstrated ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities.

Additional Qualifications
  • Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
  • Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment.
  • This position will require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver's license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.
  • Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Position Title: Program Aide on call/Substitutes
Employee Type: Part-Time/Full-Time Regular
Supervisor Title: Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director
Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs
(Create your job description by downloading this template and "save as" a new file)
Save the Children
For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world's hardest-to-reach places - over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you're creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.
The Role
Program Aides On-Call are generalists, responsible for providing educational, relational and social experiences for infants, toddlers and/or preschool-aged children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. This position reports to the Education and Inclusion Manager or Center Director and may be expected to travel to the various program sites and/or home visits.
You may be assigned to various classrooms/centers/bus routes/cafeterias/kitchens as deemed necessary for the functioning of the program operations and will also assist with daily classroom management and other duties and may be assigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
As a frontline representative of Save the Children, Program Aides are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with and adhere to the agency's values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.
What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)
*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change
  • Application of clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job.
  • Organize self and manage time to get things done.
  • Keep manager informed of important issues.
  • Build effective relationships within workgroup and with children/families.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Classroom Assistance
  • Assist classroom staff in all classroom activities.
  • Assist the Teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises (e.g., at Family Nights, copying newsletters, cutting out classroom materials, making phone calls, etc.).
  • Serve as a temporary substitute in the periodic absence of the Assistant Teacher or Teacher.

Janitorial Assistance
  • Provide custodial support as needed; this could include but is not limited to picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming or using industrial cleaning equipment to clean floors, clean and stock bathrooms, ensure buildings are secure, clean windows and minor building maintenance and repairs.
  • May serve as custodian in the absence of the regular custodian on a periodic basis.

Kitchen Assistance
  • Complete routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned (e.g. dishwashing, portioning foods, taking and logging temperature of foods received from vendors, etc.).
  • Prepare food and serve items for service prior to or after use. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
  • Participate in food service clean up, inventory, and other food service tasks as requested.
  • Substitute for regular Cook or Assistant Cook as needed.
  • May be asked to assist Cook and or Assistant Cook to fulfill kitchen duties, in any capacity.
  • Responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation.

Other General Job Duties
  • May be required to serve as a Bus Monitor.
  • Attend all workshops and meetings as necessary.
  • Attend required staff and parent meetings and activities.
  • Responsible for gaining understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
  • Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
  • Positively promote Head Start in the community.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with Save the Children Head Start Employee Handbook, Save the Children Head Start Human Resources Policies and Procedures, manuals and resources and adhere to them.

Required Qualifications
  • Must be at minimum 18 years of age.
  • Minimum high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Certification as applicable by federal, state or local Head Start or childcare regulations, now or as amended in the future.
  • Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
  • Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Demonstrated ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well and communicate effectively with staff, parents and families.
  • Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
  • Demonstrated ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities.

Additional Qualifications
  • Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
  • Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment.
  • This position will require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver's license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.
  • Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will rece

What Save The Children employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply