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Head Start Program Jobs in Lacombe, LA (NOW HIRING)

HEAD START TEACHER (6701)

Gretna, LA ยท 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 ...

Purpose of Announcement EXAMINATION IS ANNOUNCED TO ESTABLISH AN EMPLOYMENT LIST TO FILL TWO (2) CURRENT WEST JEFFERSON VACANCIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JEFFERSON COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS - HEAD START.

Parent Educator

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

The Parent Educator ensures compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards for EHS. The Parent Educator ensures culpability and understands that effective data collecting practices are ...

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Head Start Program information

See Lacombe, LA salary details

$25.4K

$67.2K

$117.7K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in Lacombe, LA is $67,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $79,500.00 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 Lacombe, LA are hiring for Head Start Program jobs?

Cities near Lacombe, LA with the most Head Start Program job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Start Program job openings in Lacombe, LA 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 $67,204 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Head Start Teacher (Pre-K)

Bogalusa, LA โ€ข On-site

Regina Coeli Child Development Center
201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Head Start Teacher 1 (Pre-K)
Job Description
Nature of Work
To provide a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for children while they are in the Head Start environment (classroom, outdoor play area, and field trips). To promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children. Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program. To develop individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress and facilitate transition into kindergarten. Must meet requirements per Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.
Education
Associate's or a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor's Degree or higher that includes coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education. Transcripts are required to validate educational requirements.
Essential Functions
  • Be familiar with and adhere to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, State of Louisiana licensing requirements, the RCCDC written work plan, and agency's policies and procedures
  • Maintain an open, friendly, professional relationship with all staff and families, to include respect for culture, diversity and ethnicity.
  • Oversee Teacher Assistant and volunteers in the classroom.
  • Participate in annual program self-assessment and continuous quality improvement initiatives of the overall program.
    • Monitor and ensure confidentiality of children records

Position Specific Essential Functions:
Individualization
  1. Adapt curriculum to address and met individual goals for children as identified in their individual education plans
  2. Assess individual and group needs, attending to special needs, specific interest, strengths concerns.

Curriculum and Assessment
  1. Develop and utilize integrated curriculum plans, which reflect mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of Head Start children.
  2. Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
  3. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.
  4. Establish weekly goals that promote individual and group educational plans and include other Head start content areas.
  5. Prepare classroom materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans; create and change learning centers as needed.

Parent, Family & Community Engagement
  1. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental engagement.
  2. Communicate regularly with parents, regarding each child's progress
  3. Conduct the required parent/teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and to share information on classroom progress and educational strategies at school and home.
  4. Help plan and conduct regular parent meetings with team members
  5. Work with appropriate agencies in developing specialized planning for children and families as needed.

Utilize Information Systems to support child (school readiness), family and agency outcomes
  1. Document baselines, ongoing assessments in CC Gold according to agency benchmarks
  2. Document all classroom issues, parent contact and home visits in PROMIS
  3. Support Family Advocate in documentation regarding particular concerns with families and children at scheduled staffing
  4. Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse/neglect to Department of Children & Family Services

Additional Job Responsibilities
  1. Assist with food service, bus monitoring for field trips and other classroom needs as requested.
  2. Attend meetings, trainings and appropriate professional development activities.
  3. Assure general maintenance and security of facility and assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
  4. Assist with generating inkind.
  5. Other duties as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Pre-school (ages 3-5) classroom teaching experience is required. Experience should include the ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children including at risk, special needs, gifted, and culturally diverse populations.
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
    • Intermediate to advanced level computer skills, internet and e-mail.
      • Ability to supervise pre-school children and ensure a safe environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom, outdoor play areas and on field trips. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need redirection in order to insure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.
      • Sits with children during family style meal times and eats the same "Head Start" lunch as the children, providing a model for good nutritional habits.
      • Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
      • Occasional driving for home visits sometimes in outlying areas.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Employees within this classification are required to:
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Pass a physical examination every three years
  • Complete Tuberculosis (TB) test every three years
  • Maintain a current First Aid and CPR certification ( training provided )
  • Valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirements.
  • Be able to bend, stoop and kneel and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs
  • Be able to perform duties in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level.

Position Reports to: Center Director
FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-Exempt