Head Start Teacher Jobs
Head Start Teacher jobs are open across early childhood education and nonprofit human services, from assistant and associate levels to lead and master teachers, with specializations in infant-toddler care, special education inclusion, and dual-language instruction. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
ICF seeks an American Indian and Alaska Native Region (AIAN) Grantee Specialist to provide high-quality training and technical assistance that improves the capacity of AIAN and Early Head Start programs to meet or exceed the national Head Start Performance Standards. The Grantee Specialist will work with programs to build capacity in regards to the Head Start systems including fiscal, health, facilities/transportation, and planning as well as to provide technical assistance in meeting and maintaining compliance of federal regulations.
The Grantee Specialist will work with grantees in understanding all Head Start Regulations. A thorough knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards and experience with AIAN culture is required. The Grantee Specialist will deliver training and technical assistance and consultation with directors, staff and parents and will use reliable data collection systems to track measurable outcomes for children and programs.
This position is home-based in the U.S. and will involve extensive travel up to 50% of the time to programs across the United States where the candidate is assigned.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a change agent in fiscal, administrative, and management areas, incorporating activities that include governing body and policy group involvement in the development/revision of fiscal, management, and administrative activities for long-term improvements.
- Work with leaders within an organization to plan and assist in the implementation of changes that resolve deficiencies and non-compliances.
- Plan and implement strategic interventions with grantees that have been designated deficient or as having serious non-compliance issues.
- Work with Federal Regional staff in developing strategies for grantee intervention and plan outcomes that address problem areas for all affected grantees.
- Coordinate with other Grantee Specialist and Early Childhood Education staff to identify ways to address administrative and program improvements in a comprehensive and holistic manner.
- Review, interpret and utilize a broad array of data to identify trends, and assist each assigned grantee to use the information to establish objectives for change and identify steps and processes needed for implementation.
- Analyze existing grantee structure, functions and capacity and propose a redesign of structure(s), functions and systems that support quality program operations.
- Recommend ways to improve overall grantee operations, including the development of operations manuals, internal procedures such as audit resolution processes, and identification of appropriate management and administrative procedures to strengthen grantee management practices.
Basic Qualifications:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Program Design and Management, Business Management, Accounting, Public or Non-Profit Administration, or Project Management (with fiscal emphases).
- 5+ years of demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance required, specifically on issues pertaining to governance, fiscal management systems and administrative issues within Head Start. Knowledge of management and related issues and demonstrated ability to apply such knowledge.
- Experience providing training at State, Regional, or National Meetings and technical assistance to individual organizations.
- Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Master’s Degree in a field related to Program Design and Management, Business Management, Accounting, Public or Non-Profit Administration, or Project Management (with fiscal emphases).
- Experience in a leadership position within a Head Start program or other early learning program (Executive Director, Assistant Director, Program Director, Chief Finance Officer).
- Knowledge and experience performing fiscal management preferred.
- Working knowledge of and experience with web-based instructional applications.
- Data analysis.
- American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal experience.
Professional Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
- Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of groups including governing bodies, staff, community leaders, and Head Start policy groups (policy councils and committees).
- Ability to complete detailed paperwork in timely manner.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$67,355.00 - $114,503.00 Nationwide Remote Office (US99)Head Start Teacher Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Head Start Teacher JobsHead Start Teacher Job Market
Who's Hiring
- South Central Missouri Community Action Agency17S
- Delta Health Alliance15
- Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County10

- JBS INTERNATIONAL9

- Maryland Rural Development Corporation9M
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in head start teacher jobs.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an associate degree in early childhood education
- Knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and school readiness goals
- Experience conducting developmental screenings using tools such as ASQ or DECA
- Ability to implement and document individualized education plans for children with disabilities
- Proficiency with child assessment and program management software used in early childhood settings
- Experience conducting home visits and building goal-oriented relationships with families
Tips for Your Head Start Teacher Job Search
Tailor your resume for Head Start
List your Child Development Associate credential, any CLASS observation scores, and familiarity with the Head Start Program Performance Standards directly on your resume. Hiring managers scan for these first because they signal you can step in without extra compliance training.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists head start teacher openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target grantee and delegate agencies separately
Head Start programs run through both direct federal grantees and their delegate agencies, which hire independently. Search for both types so you don't miss openings at community action agencies, tribal organizations, or migrant and seasonal program operators in your area.
Document family engagement work concretely
Head Start places heavy weight on family partnership competencies. Describe specific home visit frequencies, parent committee involvement you facilitated, or referrals you made to community services. Vague claims like 'strong communicator' won't stand out the way documented outcomes do.
Prepare a teaching philosophy tied to PFCE
Interviewers often ask how you involve families in children's learning. Frame your answer around the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement framework rather than general classroom philosophy. Showing you know the federal framework signals readiness to meet program goals from day one.
Negotiate start dates around enrollment cycles
Most Head Start programs open in late summer with enrollment tied to the federal program year. If you're negotiating a start date, align it with that cycle and ask about onboarding timelines. Starting mid-year can mean joining a fully formed classroom with less orientation support.
Head Start Teacher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most head start teachers?
The most active employers for head start teachers right now are South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, Delta Health Alliance, and Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, and the most openings are in New York, California, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Program size and federal funding cycles drive hiring volume, so activity can shift significantly from one quarter to the next.
How many head start teacher jobs are remote?
About 7% of head start teacher openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most classroom and home-visit roles. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include curriculum coordination, family services management, and program coaching positions rather than direct classroom teaching.
How do you become a head start teacher?
Start by earning at least a Child Development Associate credential, which is the federal minimum for many assistant teacher roles, then work toward an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education to qualify for lead teacher positions. Gain classroom experience with children ages birth to five, complete any required health and safety clearances, and familiarize yourself with the Head Start Program Performance Standards before applying.
Can you get hired as a head start teacher with little experience?
Yes, many programs hire candidates with limited experience into assistant or associate teacher roles, especially those who already hold a CDA credential or are actively enrolled in an early childhood education program. Volunteering at a community childcare center, completing a practicum, or working as a substitute in a Head Start classroom are concrete ways to build relevant hours that strengthen your application.
What does the head start teacher interview process look like?
Most programs use a structured interview with competency-based questions focused on child development knowledge, family engagement approaches, and how you handle classroom behavior. You may also complete a brief written scenario or be asked to demonstrate a classroom activity. A background check, health screening, and references from supervisors in early childhood settings are standard before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to head start teacher jobs?
You can find and apply to head start teacher jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from programs across the United States. Search for roles that match your credentials and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits. Checking back regularly is useful because new positions are added as programs receive funding and enrollment cycles open.
See All 566+ Head Start Teacher Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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