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Head Start Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Head Start Lead Teacher

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, the Head Start Lead Teacher is ultimately responsible for the implementation of the day-to-day operation of services for children ages 3-5. ...

kgs

Lead Program Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Conduct remote and onsite monitoring reviews of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipient performance and compliance * Oversee review teams, ensure quality assurance of data collection, and ...

kgs

Lead Program Specialist

Atlanta, GA

Conduct remote and onsite monitoring reviews of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipient performance and compliance * Oversee review teams, ensure quality assurance of data collection, and ...

Koniag, Inc.

Lead Program Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Conduct remote and onsite monitoring reviews of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipient performance and compliance * Oversee review teams, ensure quality assurance of data collection, and ...

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All JobsHead Start JobsHead Start Jobs in Decatur, GA

Head Start information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$21.5K

$94.3K

$215.8K

How much do head start jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start in Decatur, GA is $94,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Head Start teacher?

A Head Start teacher is an early childhood educator who works in the federally funded Head Start program, which serves preschool-aged children from low-income families. Their primary responsibilities include planning and implementing educational activities, promoting social and emotional development, and ensuring a safe and nurturing classroom environment. Head Start teachers also work closely with families to support children's learning and connect them with community resources. They play a vital role in preparing children for kindergarten and future academic success.

What are some common challenges faced by Head Start teachers, and how can they effectively address them?

Head Start teachers often work with children from diverse backgrounds who may face economic or developmental challenges. Common challenges include managing varying levels of readiness among students, engaging families who may have limited resources, and meeting program requirements for documentation and assessments. To address these, teachers can utilize differentiated instruction, collaborate closely with family service workers, and participate in ongoing professional development. Building strong relationships with both students and families is key to creating a supportive learning environment and ensuring children's success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Start teacher, you need a background in early childhood education, child development knowledge, and often an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, assessment systems, and compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for engaging young children and their families. These skills are crucial for fostering positive learning environments and supporting the holistic development of children in under-resourced communities.

What is the difference between Head Start vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectHead StartPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or higher in early childhood education or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions require early childhood certification
Work EnvironmentHead Start programs in community centers, schools, or dedicated facilities, serving low-income childrenPreschools, daycare centers, or private early childhood education settings
Employer & Industry UsageFederal-funded program focusing on comprehensive early childhood developmentPrivate and public preschools, daycare centers, and early childhood education providers

Head Start and Preschool Teachers both work with young children in early education settings. Head Start programs are federally funded, emphasizing comprehensive services for low-income families, often requiring specific credentials. Preschool Teachers may work in various settings, with credentials varying by employer. While both roles focus on early childhood development, Head Start offers a broader scope of services and funding sources compared to typical preschool teaching positions.

What are popular job titles related to Head Start jobs in Decatur, GA? For Head Start jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Start jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Head Start jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Head Start jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Head Start job openings:
Head Start jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,325 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Head Start Teacher Assistant (All Locations)

Head Start Teacher Assistant (All Locations)

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

YMCA Of Metro Atlanta rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

566th of 710 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we're looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
At the Y, we're an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, the Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for working cooperatively with the Head Start Teacher in planning and conducting learning experiences and activities and assists in the day-to-day management of an assigned classroom.
RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
  • Organize classroom space into functional areas (interest centers) in collaboration with the teacher.
  • Maintain a clean and healthy classroom environment.
  • Maintain a safe environment - indoor and outdoor.
  • Keep classroom arranged in an orderly manner and materials readily accessible to the children.
  • Provide for constant supervision of children during all activities - indoors and outdoors.
  • Observe physical conditions of children and makes referrals to teacher when necessary.
  • Makes observation and assess children in each developmental area using the designated developmental screening and on-going assessment process.
  • Refer children with suspected problems to teacher.
  • Provide input into the evaluation of each child's progress on an on-going basis.
  • In collaboration with the teacher, prepare in advance lesson plans, materials and environment that are organized, interactive, appropriate, clean, safe and hands on.
  • Follow daily schedule in conducting activities that are appropriate for the individual developmental levels of all children.
  • In the absence of the teacher, assume primary responsibility for classroom management.
  • Provide a variety of art media and allows for creative expressions.
  • Display children's work at eye level in the classroom, hallway, etc.
  • Conduct individual, small, and large group activities.
  • Present activities or concepts in sequential order.
  • Plan and participate in the provision of a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
  • Communicate to the teacher the need for additional supplies.
  • Use available community resources and field trips for classroom enrichment.
  • Make home visits and conducts parent teacher conferences during the school year.
  • Establish classroom rules with teachers that are appropriate for age level of the child.
  • Maintain order in the classroom using positive approaches to behavioral management.
  • Provide for smooth transition from one activity to another activity.
  • Record and total attendance accurately in the roll book daily.
  • Submit the accurate attendance and other applicable reports.
  • Submit a copy of the page form the roll book with tabulated attendance for the month prior to the third day of the following month.
  • Count, record, and submit accurate meal count reports daily after each meal for the number of children eating to the food service staff.
  • Attend and participate in team, site, and agency required meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
  • Participate in family style meal service, modeling good nutrition and proper social skills.
  • Ensure that site-appropriate health, safety, classroom organization, classroom aesthetic and sanitation guidelines are followed.
  • Follow all mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Child Development Associate (CDA)
  • Excellent verbal/written communication skills
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform physical requirements, including, but not limited to, kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry objects or children up to 50 lbs.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
  • Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); Associate degree in early childhood education, or a combination of education and experience teaching preschool aged children

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through Early Childhood Development Co., LLC, whose sole managing member is the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
Employment Requirement:
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening and motor vehicle record (MVR) according to company policy.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
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