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Head Start Program Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Head Start Program information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.3K

$82.9K

$145.3K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in Portland, OR is $82,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $98,100.00 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?

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 near Portland, OR are hiring for Head Start Program jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Head Start Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Start Program job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,927 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Substitute

CLACKAMAS COUNTY CHILDRENS COMMISSION

Clackamas, OR โ€ข On-site

$17.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description:


GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To provide assistance in the classroom as needed. Bring your passion, experience and education, in early childhood learning to support children and families in Early Head Start (ages 0-3) and Head Start (ages 3-5). We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to healthy early childhood development and family engagement.

We are currently hiring for the position of Substitute for our Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Max Work Time: 18 Hours per week. Each assignment should be a minimum of 4 hours.

ESSENTIAL CLASSROOM FUNCTIONS:

Classroom Aide

  • Assist classroom staff in carrying out daily classroom activities and schedules
  • Work with classroom staff in maintaining visual observation of children at all times.
  • Use a positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) approach in directing and guiding children

Assistant Teacher

  • Assist teacher in carrying out daily classroom activities and schedules
  • Work with classroom staff in maintaining visual observation of children at all times.
  • Use a positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) approach in directing and guiding children
  • Step in for Teacher during breaks and lunches

Substitutes work on an on-call, as needed (flexible) basis as a Classroom Aide, qualified substitutes (with an AA Degree and/or CDA and experience) may fill in as an Assistant Teacher, or Head Teacher.

Candidates must successfully enroll in the State of Oregon Central Background Registry and obtain a Food Handlers Card within 30 days of employment.

No Agency Benefits. On Call substitutes accrue sick leave according to the Oregon Sick Leave Law.

Clackamas County Children’s Commission is an equal opportunity employer.


ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Program Participation and Team Member:

Arrive to work on time; punctually attend and actively participate in all required activities, meetings, and trainings.

Be a respectful, cooperative, and reliable team member and participant in program activities.

Project a professional work image, both in dress and manner.

Be familiar with, and adhere to, position-related policies and procedures as well as the program’s overarching objectives.

Follow Agency policy/procedures for reporting and documenting suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Code of Conduct:

Perform all work in compliance with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality:

Respect and maintain confidentiality of information regarding enrolled children and families, personnel issues, and other program operations as appropriate.

Training:

In consultation with supervisor, develop professional work goals and training plan. Participate in training as requested.

Working Conditions:

Work with physically active three to five-year-old children for one or two class periods per day (each class period is 3.5 hours)

Extensive standing, walking

Moderate sitting, kneeling, bending


The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Under Oregon statute, after July 1, 1996, an offer of employment for this position is contingent upon the results of criminal offender information record check and, possibly, fingerprinting, conducted on applicants for employment in early childhood services agencies. Applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses or who refuse to consent to such background checks will not be hired for this position.

Continuation of all positions is contingent upon future funding.


Requirements: