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Head Start Program Jobs in Gap, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Head Start Program information

See Gap, PA salary details

$27.9K

$73.8K

$129.4K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in Gap, PA is $73,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $87,400.00 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 near Gap, PA are hiring for Head Start Program jobs?

Cities near Gap, PA with the most Head Start Program job openings:

Head Start Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program job openings in Gap, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,846 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Head Start Director of Education

Chester County Intermediate Unit

Malvern, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Administrator/Director
Date Posted:
8/19/2026
Location:
Gordon Early Literacy Center
Closing Date:
8/29/2026
A vacancy exists for a Head Start Director of Education position within the Student Services division of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. This position is located at the Gordon Early Literacy Center in Coatesville, PA, will be supporting Head Start programming IU Countywide.
Are you motivated to create brighter futures for students, families, and the entire community? If so, we want you on Team CCIU! At the CCIU, we pride ourselves on the creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit that our employees bring to their work every day, and we know that achieving success together takes a team approach!
We strive to hire exceptional, motivated, and passionate individuals that help us achieve our vision of acting as educational leaders who contribute to a better Chester County and beyond.
If you are looking for an exciting, challenging opportunity to grow your career, don't wait - apply today to make Team CCIU even stronger tomorrow!
Summary:
The Head Start Director of Education is responsible for overseeing program operations, supervising staff, ensuring compliance with Head Start and licensing standards, promoting family engagement, supporting school readiness, and maintaining high-quality educational services for children and families.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop positive relationships with the Office of Head Start (OHS) and Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) staff.
  • Ensure all data is complete, accurate, and available for federal reporting requirements.
  • Responsible for immediate supervision of assigned staff relative to both CCIU and Office of Head Start policies and procedures.
  • Write job descriptions, interview job candidates, select finalists, and recommend hiring of staff.
  • Coordinate with the Head Start Director to ensure governing bodies are fully informed of the Head Start Program. Interact with the Policy Council at monthly meetings.
  • Actively ensure compliance across all programs, including reviewing and recommending data sources, assisting the Director in gathering data for the annual PIR, community assessment, and Annual Report.
  • Responsible for supervision of the Gordon Early Literacy Center, including crisis management, parent support, and scheduling.
  • Hold a leadership role in the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team at Gordon, and help to disseminate the PBIS framework and knowledge to staff at all Head Start locations.
  • Develop relationships with school district staff, enabling the Head Start program to have meaningful transitions with each district.
  • Develop positive relationships with families enrolled in the program, assisting with family needs and addressing any family concerns that arise.
  • Develop and coordinate employee professional development, leading other component area supervisors to develop meaningful training opportunities. Track all professional development and ensure that all program staff are meeting Head Start requirements.
  • Supervise and evaluate education staff with regard to educational and administrative planning including provision of feedback that leads to positive change in performance. Utilize research-based tools, including CLASS, ECERS, and TPOT, to provide specific and targeted feedback to the employee and coach them to classroom success.
  • Oversee daily dismissal of students, ensuring safe processes are maintained, staff and parents follow procedures, and students are properly supervised.
  • Interact with the Policy Council at monthly meetings, substituting for the Director and/or the Supervisor of Health and Family Services when needed.
  • Oversee assigned staff compliance with CCIU and Head Start Personnel Policies and Procedures.
  • With the Data Specialist, oversee assigned staff completion of education and family data tracking.
  • Assist in creation of budgets, grant applications, and community partnerships to grow the Head Start program.
  • Recommend purchase of equipment, supplies and materials based on classroom needs as identified by ECERS, curriculum, safety reviews, and observations.
  • Assist all content area supervisors in refining, clarifying, implementing, and updating service plans to ensure continuity and consistency of programming.
  • Assist in recruitment of eligible families.
  • Coordinate classroom coverage as needed.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Education or closely related field required, Master's strongly preferred
  • 5 years leadership experience in a Head Start or related program strongly preferred

Professional or Other Required Clearances
  • Candidate must have valid Driver's License and reliable transportation
  • Current police, child abuse, NSOR, and FBI Fingerprint- DHS clearances within 1 year required

Anticipated Salary Range:
2026-2027: Administrator, Level TBD
*Placement on band is based on years of direct experience in a comparable role.
260 day position, 7.5 hours per day, 5 days per week
Location:
Gordon Early Literacy Center, Coatesville, PA
LB
Equal Opportunity Employer
Chester County Intermediate Unit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Chester County Intermediate Unit ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Chester County Intermediate Unit has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 484-237-5085.

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