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Head Start Program Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Acelero Learning

Head Start Teacher

Milford, DE · On-site

$42K/yr

If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create ... As a Head Start Teacher , you'll guide a classroom of 3-5-year-old children, creating a nurturing ...

Acelero Learning

Head Start Teacher

Bridgeville, DE · On-site

$47K/yr

If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create ... As a Head Start Teacher , you'll guide a classroom of 3-5-year-old children, creating a nurturing ...

Acelero Learning

Head Start Teacher

Milford, DE

If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create ... As a Head Start Teacher , you'll guide a classroom of 3-5-year-old children, creating a nurturing ...

Acelero Learning

Head Start Teacher

Bridgeville, DE

If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create ... As a Head Start Teacher , you'll guide a classroom of 3-5-year-old children, creating a nurturing ...

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All JobsHead Start Program JobsHead Start Program Jobs in Delaware

Head Start Program information

See Delaware salary details

$29.5K

$78.3K

$137.1K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in Delaware is $78,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,600.00 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 Delaware are hiring for Head Start Program jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Head Start Program job openings:
Head Start Program jobs near you
Teacher Assistant - Head Start (Cecilton)

Teacher Assistant - Head Start (Cecilton)

Maryland Rural Development Corporation

Smyrna, DE • On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

The Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the Head Start Teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children. This role involves assisting with classroom instruction, behavior management, and daily activities to promote school readiness and social-emotional development. The Teacher Assistant also helps maintain a clean and organized classroom and supports strong family engagement. The Head Start Teacher Assistant will assure that MRDC philosophies and priorities are met.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and implementing lesson plans that align with Head Start guidelines
  • Engage with children in developmentally appropriate activities, including play-based learning, reading, and hands-on experiences
  • Help observe and assess children's development and provide input for individualized learning plans
  • Encourage and model positive social-emotional behaviors and problem-solving skills
  • Supervise children to ensure a safe and nurturing environment
  • Assist with classroom organization, including setting up materials and maintaining a clean learning space
  • Support children during daily routines such as meals, naptime, and transitions.
  • Follow Head Start health and safety policies, including proper hygiene and sanitation procedures
  • Develop positive relationships with families and communicate regularly about children's progress.
  • Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and Head Start events.
  • Assist in preparing materials for parent meetings and conferences
  • Work collaboratively with the teacher, other staff members, and program administrators.
  • Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as required by the Head Start program
  • Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
  • Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
  • Comes to work promptly every day
  • Works under stress and meets all deadlines
  • OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.

Terms of Employment:

  • Eleven (11) month; full-time position

Compensation:

$19.15 - $20.47 - Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Requirements

Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED required. CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, Associate’s degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred
  • Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in an early childhood education setting

Required Skills/Qualifications

  • Passion for working with young children and supporting their growth
  • Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families
  • Ability to follow instructions and adapt to classroom needs
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment
  • Effective written and oral communication experience
  • Relationship building experience
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
  • Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
  • Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
  • Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening

Physical Demands:

  • Classroom setting with young children (ages 3-5)
  • Occasional home visits or community engagement activities
  • Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching and is performed in a typical school environment
  • May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Training & Development