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Head Start Program Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

ICF

The Head Start Lead Program Specialist provides senior-level programmatic and grants management support to the Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional Offices under the National Customer Service ...

Jefferson Parish, LA

HEAD START TEACHER (6701)

Gretna, LA · On-site

$3.2K - $3.9K/mo

Jefferson Community Actions Programs - Head Start 1010 Opening Date: 08/15/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Jefferson Parish Civil Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Purpose of Announcement ...

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Head Start Program information

See Louisiana salary details

$25.2K

$66.9K

$117.2K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in Louisiana is $66,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $79,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 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 qualifications do you need to be a Head Start Program teacher?

A Head Start Program teacher typically needs a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, with many programs requiring an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. State licensing or certification requirements may also apply, and experience working with young children is often preferred.

Will Head Start Program employees get paid?

Yes, employees of the Head Start Program are typically paid for their work, which may include roles such as teachers, family service workers, and administrative staff. Compensation varies based on position, experience, and funding, and employees often need relevant certifications or qualifications. The program generally offers a regular schedule with pay periods consistent with other employment standards.

What cities in Louisiana are hiring for Head Start Program jobs?

Cities in Louisiana with the most Head Start Program job openings:

Head Start Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,867 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Head Start Lead Program Specialist (Onsite)

ICF

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Head Start Lead Program Specialist provides senior-level programmatic and grants management support to the Office of Head Start (OHS) Regional Offices under the National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP). This role leads and coordinates day-to-day delivery of grant oversight, monitoring, analysis, and technical assistance activities, ensuring consistent, high-quality support aligned with federal statutes, regulations, and OHS policies.

The Lead Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and team lead for Program Support Specialists, supports regional and national initiatives, and plays a key role in ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution of grant management functions.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead and perform review, analysis, and administrative activities related to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grants.

  • Oversee and support review of grant applications, budget modifications, supplemental applications (including change in scope and facilities requests), waiver requests, and post-award requirements.

  • Ensure grant-related analysis and documentation are completed accurately and recorded in appropriate federal systems, including HSES and GrantSolutions.

  • Support execution of grant awards and related administrative actions in coordination with OHS and the Office of Grants Management (OGM).

  • Identify performance or compliance concerns and support development of risk mitigation strategies and technical assistance responses.

  • Provide accurate, policy-aligned guidance and technical assistance to support grant recipients' compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and grant requirements.

  • Support Central Office and Regional Office initiatives by contributing subject matter expertise and programmatic analysis.

  • Serve as a lead and mentor to Program Support Specialists, supporting workload management, quality assurance, and consistent application of policies and procedures.

  • Coordinate with the Project Manager and other team leads to align staffing, priorities, and deliverables.

  • Support onboarding, training, and ongoing development of Program Support Specialist staff.

  • Contribute to development and refinement of standard operating procedures, guidance documents, training materials, and webinars.

  • Support data-informed process improvement efforts to strengthen consistency and efficiency across regions.

  • Contribute to the preparation of management briefings, reports, and presentations for Government leadership as requested.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.

  • 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience directly related to early childhood programs, with a strong preference for Head Start or Early Head Start experience.

  • 3+ years of experience with federal discretionary grants management, non-profit or for-profit program and/or financial management, and regulatory compliance monitoring and oversight.

  • 2+ years of supervisory experience.

  • Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

  • Must be obtain and maintain client background clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with federal discretionary grants management, including programmatic review, monitoring, compliance oversight, and documentation.

  • Experience analyzing and synthesizing data and information from multiple sources to inform oversight, decision-making, and recommendations.

  • Demonstrated ability to produce clear, high-quality written products, including reports, memoranda, correspondence, and presentations.

  • Strong knowledge of Head Start program operations, grant administration, and federal compliance requirements.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information clearly.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while coordinating closely with a larger project team.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based federal information systems.

#HSCSIP


Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contactCandidateaccommodation@icf.comfor assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$73,770.00 - $125,408.00DC Field Office (DC66)

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