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Head Start Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCMCAA

Head Start Teacher

Piedmont, MO · On-site

$18.65/hr

This responsibility includes setting up classrooms and developing and implementing educational programs. The Head Start Teacher will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe ...

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

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Early Head Start Coordinator

Jackson, MS · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Planning and Developing Administers the overall Early Head Start program, including program design, program management, oversight of record-keeping and monitoring systems, and development of ...

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Head Start Program information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do head start program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 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.

More about Head Start Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Start Program jobs? Cities with the most Head Start Program job openings:
What states have the most Head Start Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Start Program jobs include:
Head Start Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Head Start Teacher

South Central Missouri Community Action Agency

Doniphan, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: HS Teacher SALARY RANGE: 8
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: WORK STATION: Classroom Education Manager
Professional Development Manager
Site Supervisor
SUPERVISES: Classroom staff
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing and monitoring the fiscal, physical and operational aspects of a Head Start Center. This responsibility includes setting up classrooms and developing and implementing educational programs. The Head Start Teacher will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start transportation guidelines.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Responsible for direction of classroom activities, health, safety and well-being of the children during time in the Head Start program.
  2. Assist in developing the overall curriculum.
  3. Develop weekly lesson plans outlining daily classroom activities and individual plans to meet children's needs within the curriculum.
  4. Help administer required health related screening to children, document results.
  5. Administer developmental screening to each child, document results.
  6. Assess each child's on-going development and individualize for each child based on their strengths and weaknesses, document.
  7. Observe each child on a regular schedule and document observations and document.
  8. Refer any children with suspected problems.
  9. Responsible for the facilities, equipment and consumable supplies used in the center.
  10. Maintaining a clean, sanitary and comfortable classroom environment.
  11. Perform teaching tasks as directed by supervisor and as outlined in curriculum.
  12. Responsible for home visits for each family and child to assist with understanding the goals of the Head Start program and the parent role in the development of their child.
  13. Stimulate parent involvement in classroom activities, utilize parents as volunteers in the center and assist Parent Committees in organizing and conducting programs.
  14. Prepare and submit necessary agency and Head Start reports as assigned.
  15. Maintain the confidentiality requirements of the program.
  16. Relate the Head Start purpose and goals to parents, staff and the general community and undertake other public information activities as assigned.
  17. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Head Start staff and other human services staff in the community.
  18. Advise Supervisor concerning the needs of Head Start children and parents, and programming necessary to meet those needs.
  19. Participate in Head Start training and career development activities appropriate to maintain a high degree of professionalism in work with children and parents.
  20. Be current with professional resources to increase knowledge of early childhood education.
  21. Attend pre-service and in-service training.
  22. Participate in college credit courses leading to completion of BS degree in child development, early childhood education or a related field.
  23. Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination.
  24. Work cooperatively with the administrative staff and other agency personnel.
  25. Never leave a child unattended at any time.
  26. Assist children and their parents on and off the bus. Make sure a responsible person is home to receive the child. Take a child into a child care center, if needed, and assure child is with responsible staff person.
  27. Responsible for controlling all passengers on the vehicle and for ensuring that safety restraints are used for everyone. There should be a positive atmosphere on the vehicle that will provide for learning in a safe and healthy environment.
  28. Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
  29. Maintain required documentation concerning mileage, etc.
  30. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relay messages between parents and Center Staff. Be positive with parents and children as the program's first and last contact of the day.
  31. Be available to ride bus for field trips, dental and medical trips (if necessary), and other trips.
  32. Use agency vehicles for official Head Start and agency business only. The vehicle is not to be used for breaks, personal errands, etc.
  33. Participate in appropriate Head Start training. Attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in-service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor.
  34. Emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order. System is utilized for Head Start business only.
  35. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
  36. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  1. Possess an AA degree in the area of child development, early childhood education or a related field.
  2. Must have 8 credit hours in early childhood education if degree is not in related field or obtain a Preschool CDA credential
  3. Obtain additional required education, as mandated by performance standards.
  4. Knowledge and experience in early childhood development, teaching methods and practices, as required by performance standards.
  5. Ability to relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
  6. Ability to supervise classroom staff.
  7. Ability to develop and implement effective structural classroom experiences based upon the Head Start curriculum and individual children's needs.
  8. Knowledge of all social and health resources in the community and ability to make effective referrals to such resources.
  9. Ability to work effectively with other Head Start staff and local community agencies and individuals.
  10. Knowledge of the purpose, goals and objectives of the Head Start program.
  11. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  12. Ability to conduct oneself in a manner projecting a positive image to the children, parents, staff, program, agency and community.
  13. Ability to operate a vehicle and possess a current license.
  14. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
  15. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing.

Additional requirements:
Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.
Working Conditions:
Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets and rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel and squat frequently. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or on the floor.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position, including changes in location, classroom, caseload, and hours. The Executive Director may, at any time, for disciplinary purposes, the utilization of personnel, or for the general good of the program, reassign an employee from one position to another position.
I accept the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this position description. This position is not exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Signature of Employee Date
Signature of Supervisor/Mentor Date of Orientation
Rev 5-23

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