1

Head Start Program Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Teacher

Abingdon, VA ยท On-site

$17.39 - $18.39/hr

... Start and Head Start Center. The position is responsible for providing direct educational ... Employees also receive 15 paid holidays and a very generous paid time off program. People ...

Teacher

Bristol, VA ยท On-site

$17.39 - $18.39/hr

... Start and Head Start Center. The position is responsible for providing direct educational ... Employees also receive 15 paid holidays and a very generous paid time off program. People ...

Program Manager

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$120 - $155/hr

Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start programs. * Experience with GrantSolutions, HSES, AMS, and Smartsheet. * Experience managing performance-based Federal service contracts. Education and ...

Early Head Start Substitute

Lynchburg, VA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Curriculum specialist, Curriculum writer, Lead Teacher, Preschool Director What You Bring To The ... Whether you're working directly with children and families or supporting programs behind the scenes ...

Early Head Start Substitute

Bedford, VA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Curriculum specialist, Curriculum writer, Lead Teacher, Preschool Director What You Bring To The ... Whether you're working directly with children and families or supporting programs behind the scenes ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Start Program Director information

See Virginia salary details

$29.2K

$77.5K

$135.8K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in Virginia is $77,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,700.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,525 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

$33K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description


HRCAP Head Start/Early Head Start Job Description
Bus Driver
POSITION PURPOSE: Serve as a member of the Transportation Team to provide safe, quality transportation services to children and families in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.
SUPERVISOR:Transportation Coordinator
DUTIES INCLUDE:
  • Adheres to all local, state, and federal policies regarding transportation.
  • Supervises Bus Monitor.
  • Maintains confidentiality concerning children and families.
  • Transports children to and from the Head Start centers in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to include children with disabilities.
  • Transports children to and from field trips, health clinics, public schools, and other program related activities.
  • Transport parents and staff to meetings, conferences, and workshops, as directed by Supervisor or Leadership Team.
  • Maintain a healthy, safe, and orderly environment on the bus.
  • Maintain communication throughout workday and after runs with Transportation Coordinator in case of emergencies or other pick-ups/drop offs.
  • Assure children are seated properly in their seat belts and harness while being transported.
  • Conducts a child count to confirm that the correct number of children are on the bus and a final count to prevent children from being left behind.
  • Performs daily pre-trip and post trip inspection that is required by state and federal law each day.
  • Consult with Transportation Coordinator and Program Operations Team Leaders to secure necessary repairs.
  • Always maintain an updated pick-up/drop-off schedule.
  • Must submit weekly and monthly reports on time to Transportation Coordinator and Program Operations Team Leader.
  • Attends bi-weekly meetings, and in-service training when scheduled.
  • Submit Referrals/Special Arrangements to Transportation Coordinator and must be approved prior to any changes being implemented.
  • All staff must sign in at their appropriate Head Start center daily and communicate with Transportation Coordinator.
  • All drivers must report to assigned classroom directly after performing morning post-trip procedures, except when directed to perform other transportation duties, i.e., Taking buses to the shop for repair, taking children home or on fieldtrips etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Start/Early Head Start Director.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:Must have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to perform assigned functions responsibly.
  • Must have high school diploma or GED.
  • Must possess a valid Virginia Commercial Driver's License with PS Endorsement.
  • Must have a physical, TB test, and criminal background check at the time of employment.
  • Knowledge of geographic area.
  • Must have a good driving record.

Benefits
Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, effective the first day of the month following your hire date. Benefits include:
โ€ข Paid Time Off:
oSick leave accrued at 5 hours per pay period
o1 paid day off annually for your birthday
o11 paid holidays, including major federal holidays
oOfficial Break Pay (Spring Break, Summer Break, and Winter Break)
โ€ข Health & Wellness:
oMedical, dental, and vision insurance available for employees and dependents
oHRCAP covers 75% of health insurance premiums
oCoverage begins the first of the month after hire
oPre-tax premium deductions via Section 125 Plan
โ€ข Retirement:
o403(b) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of service
Additional details are provided in the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.