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Head Start Program Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Delta Health Alliance

Head Start Assistant Teacher

MS · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Effectively communicate with supervisors and DHA staff to keep all apprised of issues, program ... Head Start children. * Use high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices to assist in ...

New

Delta Health Alliance

Head Start Assistant Teacher

Fulton, MS · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Effectively communicate with supervisors and DHA staff to keep all apprised of issues, program ... Head Start children. * Use high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices to assist in ...

New

Delta Health Alliance

Head Start Assistant Teacher

Dorsey, MS · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Effectively communicate with supervisors and DHA staff to keep all apprised of issues, program ... Head Start children. * Use high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices to assist in ...

New

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHead Start Program JobsHead Start Program Jobs in Mississippi

Head Start Program information

See Mississippi salary details

$27.9K

$74.1K

$129.7K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in Mississippi is $74,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,200.00 and $87,600.00 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.
Head Start Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,057 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Head Start Lead Teacher

Delta Health Alliance

Greenwood, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Description
Head Start Teacher
The Head Start Teacher is responsible for hands-on programmatic or administrative functions within high-quality early learning environments. This individual will consistently implement teaching strategies that promote and encourage hands-on, active learning through high-quality developmentally appropriate activities of a research- and evidenced-based curriculum.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a closely related field (Related degree should consist of a minimum of 18 hours of closely related Early Childhood courses).
  • Three (3) years' hands-on experience as a teacher or teacher assistant in a preschool three-year-old or pre-k four-year-old classroom.
  • Is fluent and able to articulate components of early childhood development and the impact that a high-quality early learning environment has on the overall growth and development of a child.
  • Must possess documented experience in an early learning environment and willingness to engage in hands-on learning opportunities with young children preschool three-year-old or pre-k four-year-old classroom, families, and volunteers.
  • Must have flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening or weekend hours.
  • Must pass Mississippi State requirements for early child educators: Letter of Suitability, Health Screening, and DHA required background check.
  • Must have a valid Mississippi Driver's License, proof of insurance, and must provide personal vehicle to travel to assigned HS/EHS sites.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, families, and community resources.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, e-mail, data entry, and web-based curriculum portals.
  • Ability to follow instructions, guidelines, and accept feedback from Center Manager, classroom teachers, and other DHA administration when assisting with food service and program facilitation.
  • Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families and children.
  • Ability to work independently without intensive supervision.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
  • Ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a healthy and safe early learning environment. This includes the physical ability to monitor, move quickly, and constantly be on the move in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others.
  • Regular kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs.
  • Ability to lift and move boxes, as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties:
  • Conduct and present as a professional in the field of early childhood education and follow the policies, procedures, and expectations set forth by the Delta Health Alliance at all times.
  • Uphold and adhere to all guidance within the Federal Head Start Performance Standards, state early learning guidelines and standards, and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures
  • Sanitize and clean classroom equipment and laundry as needed daily.
  • Maintain confidentiality with data collection and reporting, as required.
  • Effectively communicate with supervisors and DHA staff to keep all apprised of issues, program updates, and status of assignments.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with rules and regulations relevant to the specific duties, provides support, and a positive working attitude and relationship toward DHA staff and partners.
  • Responsible for setting up the early learning environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day related to the research-based curriculum.
  • Engage and promote an atmosphere that promotes family engagement in the classroom.
  • Implement a schedule which encourages small and large group experiences, learning center time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, three meals, and effective transitions between activities.
  • Responsible for the implementation of a research-based curriculum with fidelity and understanding of all components of the curriculum.
  • Create lesson plans which reflect required elements, family and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
  • Use high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with large and small groups of children and practice effective teacher child interactions.
  • Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and child-choice in developmentally appropriate learning centers throughout the classroom.
  • Actively supervise, monitor, and engage throughout learning centers with children to encourage on-going learning.
  • Provide positive teacher-child interactions that include open-ended questions, language modeling, and listen respectfully to the questions and answers to provide feedback related to children's learning.
  • Observe and record behaviors of children to identify and accurately track each child's strengths and areas of growth.
  • Responsible for the on-going documentation and completion of identified assessment tools, child and curriculum checkpoints, anecdotal notes, and daily classroom responsibilities.
  • Actively and eagerly participate in professional development opportunities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Statement of Non-Inclusivity: This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervisor.

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