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Head Start Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Ellsinore, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Doniphan, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Salem, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Ellington, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Poplar Bluff, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Neelyville, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

SCMCAA

Program Operations Manager

Poplar Bluff, MO · On-site

$25.85/hr

Head Start/Early Head Start Director Negotiable SUPERVISES: Site Supervisors GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Assists the Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) Director with broad program operations, including ...

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Winona, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

... 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 program and the parent role in ...

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Head Start Program Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director 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 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.

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Head Start Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Head Start Cook

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority Head Start/Early Head Start

White Pine, TN • On-site

$13.57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description


About This Role

We are seeking a dependable and organized Cook to support the nutrition component of the Head Start program by preparing meals, maintaining kitchen operations, and ensuring compliance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.


What You'll Do
  • Serve meals each day and complete breakfast and lunch preparation.
  • Order and receive food for the location and carefully check deliveries against invoices.
  • Note quantities and items delivered on invoices and report deficiencies.
  • Deliver invoices and receipts weekly to the Nutrition Manager.
  • Purchase economical, high-quality foods consistent with program purchasing policies.
  • Provide for proper food storage under the supervision of the Nutrition Manager.
  • Maintain a sanitary, attractive kitchen meeting federal and state interagency day care standards.
  • Prepare food in a manner that retains nutritional value, is appealing to children, and follows cycle menus as developed.
  • Cooperate with the Nutrition Manager, Site Supervisor, Family Advocates, and Teachers in providing nutrition education for children, Head Start parents, and staff.
  • Maintain required reports and records including food purchases, inventory, food production, menu changes, and meal counts.
  • Maintain a current inventory of food-service equipment, supplies, and food items while staying within budget.
  • Requisition equipment as needed and report repairs to the Facilities/Maintenance Manager.
  • Participate in in-service training sessions.
  • Work with all staff on special nutrition problems.
  • Monitor mealtime needs and ensure food is prepared and ready to serve.
  • Wash pots, pans, plates, bowls, and other kitchen items daily.
  • Assist with special functions involving food service, including open house and parent education meetings.
  • Work with special needs children and their families in a non-discriminatory, supportive manner.
  • Purchase and transport groceries and carry heavy items/groceries to the kitchen.
  • Use standard kitchen equipment and commercial equipment safely.
  • Follow Head Start dress code and maintain kitchen safety standards.
  • Welcome families to participate in classroom, home, and community learning activities and encourage volunteer participation in the program.
  • Encourage parents, families, and community members to support the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind).

Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED


Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
  • Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
  • Must agree to pre-employment background check.
  • Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
  • Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.



Nice To Haves

Experience in food service and/or childcare preferred


Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Retirement Plan

About Us

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

· Up to 14 paid holidays per year

· Sick leave and Personal time

· Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan

· Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System

· Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.