ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Start Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $31.16/hr

Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Voluntary benefits: Life and AD&D, Accident Insurance ... S. Head Start regulations require that no person shall work in any Head Start program until they ...

Pinoleville Pomo Nation

Teacher

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Our Head Start program is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing the growth and development of our children, ensuring they receive a strong educational foundation rooted in our traditions ...

Pinoleville Pomo Nation

Teacher

Ukiah, CA

$22/hr

Our Head Start program is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing the growth and development of our children, ensuring they receive a strong educational foundation rooted in our traditions ...

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $31.16/hr

Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Voluntary benefits: Life and AD&D, Accident Insurance ... S. Head Start regulations require that no person shall work in any Head Start program until they ...

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

Spring Valley, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $31.16/hr

Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Voluntary benefits: Life and AD&D, Accident Insurance ... S. Head Start regulations require that no person shall work in any Head Start program until they ...

Pinoleville Pomo Nation

Teacher

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Our Head Start program is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing the growth and development of our children, ensuring they receive a strong educational foundation rooted in our traditions ...

AKA Head Start

Early Head Start Teacher

La Mesa, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $31.16/hr

Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Voluntary benefits: Life and AD&D, Accident Insurance ... S. Head Start regulations require that no person shall work in any Head Start program until they ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHead Start Program JobsHead Start Program Jobs in California

Head Start Program information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in California is $77,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,300.00 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.

What cities in California are hiring for Head Start Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Head Start Program job openings:
Head Start Program jobs near you

Head Start Substitute Positions

Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency

Jackson, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $26.12/hr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Definition: As a part of the ATCAA team, the Associate Teacher assists teachers in the planning and the implementation of a comprehensive State Preschool/Head Start/Early Head Start classroom, including the supervision of and interaction with young children in preschool or infant toddler center classrooms, working with other staff members to ensure that parents are supported as their role as primary teachers for their children and working with ATCAA staff to assure that delivery of services to children and families are carried out in a comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated manner. The Associate Teacher helps with classroom set-up and cleaning, food service program, and supervises small groups of children.
Minimum Qualifications: Associate Teacher I:
  • Completed 12 college units in Child Development, including Core Courses as defined on the Child Development Matrix. For Early Head Start: 6 units must be focused on infants and toddlers;
  • Working toward an AS/AA degree in Early Childhood Education;
  • Apply for an Associate Teacher Permit or a Child Development Associate Credential within thirty (30) days of hire.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate Teacher II:
  • A.A./A.S. degree, 24 college units in ECE/Child Development, including Core Courses as defined on the Child Development Matrix. For Early Head Start: at least 3 units focused on infant and toddlers ;
  • Working toward BS/BA degree in Early Childhood Education;
  • Apply for an Associate Teacher Permit or a Child Development Associate Credential within thirty (30) days of hire.

Minimum Qualifications for both: Associate Teacher I & II:
  • Within the past 2 years, 50 days of 3+ hours per day working with children (preschool for preschool positions, infant toddlers for infant toddler positions);
  • Possess a continuously valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record;
  • Pass a full background check/health screening including: fingerprint clearance and TB Test prior to hire;
  • Ability to write lesson plans and record children's progress;
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds;
  • Have reliable transportation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in a Head Start preschool or infant toddler setting;
  • Current CPR and First Aid certificates;
  • Associate Teacher or higher Children's Center Permit or a Child Development Associate Credential;
  • The ability to speak and understand Spanish;
  • Computer experience.

Physical Requirements:
Frequent (3 - 6 hours) walking, standing, bending of the waist, squatting, and twisting of the neck.
Occasional (up to 3 hours) sitting, bending of the neck, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and twisting of the waist. Occasional, repetitive, use of both hands is also required in this position: simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, and reaching above or below shoulder level.
The position requires working inside and outside in a playground environment, as weather permits, with exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and may also require walking on a variety of grades and surfaces (uneven ground). This position may also require travel to various locations for agency meetings and events.
Employees in this position may be exposed to bio-hazards such as blood borne pathogens and waste matter (changing diapers, etc).
Lifting and Carrying Requirements: Occasionally (up to 3 hours) lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs.
TEACHER
Definition: As a part of the ATCAA team, Teachers assist the Lead Center Teacher in the planning and the implementation of a comprehensive State Preschool/Head Start/Early Head Start program, including the supervision of and interaction with young children in preschool and/or infant toddler center classrooms, working with other staff members to ensure that parents are supported as their role as primary teachers for their children and working with ATCAA staff to assure that delivery of services to children and families are carried out in a comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated manner.
Minimum Qualifications: Teacher I
  • Completed 24 units ECE/CD. For Early Head Start classrooms, 6 of these units must be focused on infant and toddlers. Must have a current education plan to obtain an AA degree
  • Possess a current Teacher Permit or apply for one within thirty (30) days of hire

Minimum Qualifications: Teacher II
  • Current Teacher Permit, A.A./A.S. Degree in ECE/CD or related field and working toward an BS/BA degree in Early Childhood Education. For Early Head Start classrooms, 3 of these units must be focused on infant and toddlers

Minimum Qualifications: Teacher III
  • Same requirements as Teacher II with a B.A./B.S. Degree with at least 24 units ECE/CD. For Early Head Start classrooms, 3 of these units must be focused on infant and toddlers.

Minimum Qualifications: Teacher I & II & III
  • Be able to pass a full fingerprint/background check prior to hiring
  • Experience and proficiency in Word, Excel, email, and Windows Operating System
  • Within the past 4 years, 175 days of 3+ hours per day working with children in a preschool or infant/toddler setting
  • Meet all federal/state licensing requirements and/or program requirements necessary for this position: possess a valid California driver's license, an acceptable driving record, fingerprint clearance, TB Test, CPR, First Aid training, and health screening

Desired Qualifications:
  • Previous Early Head Start/Head Start or State Preschool/Infant Toddler experience
  • Ability to speak and understand Spanish
  • Experience in the supervision and training of adults
  • Knowledge of local community resources.

Physical Requirements:
Frequent (3 - 6 hours) walking, standing, bending of the waist, squatting, and twisting of the neck.
Occasional (up to 3 hours) sitting, bending of the neck, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and twisting of the waist. Occasional, repetitive, use of both hands is also required in this position: simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, and reaching above or below shoulder level.
The position requires working inside and outside in a playground environment, as weather permits, with exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and may also require walking on a variety of grades and surfaces (uneven ground). This position may also require travel to various locations for agency meetings and events.
Employees in this position may be exposed to bio-hazards such as blood borne pathogens and waste matter (changing diapers, etc).
Lifting and Carrying Requirements: Occasionally (up to 3 hours) lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs.

Apply