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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Showing 5 of 433+ Head Start Teacher jobs
Pay Rate: Pay Grade 10 | Full Time | Shift Details: 7:30am-3:30pm Monday - Friday
Weekly Earned Wage Access is an option for this position.
Job Purpose or Objective(s): Implement program philosophies and guidelines in the Child Development Centers (CDC) ensuring a caring service-oriented environment for the children. You will report to the Director.
Primary Tasks:
- You will create schedules for staff, fill in for absent teachers; monitor staff performance and communicate expectations and procedures.
- Assess fiscal, and program needs of the center and prepare budget of less than $500,000.
- Manage billing records and licensing paperwork to ensure the center is in compliance with USDA, DHS and EHS regulations where applicable.
- Identify developmental needs of children, professional needs of staff members, and support needs of families and act in accordance to meet those needs as best as possible within confines of authority and program guidelines.
- You will plan the programs following the policies, licensing, and philosophy of the program.
- Ensure monthly reports are completed and promptly and submitted to the appropriate persons.
- Maintain records with appropriate, up to date, required papers and documentation following licensing regulations.
- Conduct parent/teacher conferences, staff meetings, attend director’s meetings, and attend training and conferences or professional organizations appropriate for child development centers.
- Produce quarterly newsletter and plan field trips and community projects.
Perform other tasks as may be assigned.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or related field, or 4 years directly related experience.
- Have and maintain bronze level following Appendix L-2, Oklahoma Director’s Credential
- Strong interpersonal and time management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimum direction
- Ability to communicate skills quickly, both orally and written
- Knowledge and ability to work with appropriate software applications
Must obtain a bus driving certificate and CDL within first 90 days of employment.
- Two years’ experience in in child development or early childhood education
Pay Rate: Pay Grade 10 | Full Time | Shift Details: 7:30am-3:30pm Monday - Friday
Weekly Earned Wage Access is an option for this position.
Job Purpose or Objective(s): Implement program philosophies and guidelines in the Child Development Centers (CDC) ensuring a caring service-oriented environment for the children. You will report to the Director.
Primary Tasks:
- You will create schedules for staff, fill in for absent teachers; monitor staff performance and communicate expectations and procedures.
- Assess fiscal, and program needs of the center and prepare budget of less than $500,000.
- Manage billing records and licensing paperwork to ensure the center is in compliance with USDA, DHS and EHS regulations where applicable.
- Identify developmental needs of children, professional needs of staff members, and support needs of families and act in accordance to meet those needs as best as possible within confines of authority and program guidelines.
- You will plan the programs following the policies, licensing, and philosophy of the program.
- Ensure monthly reports are completed and promptly and submitted to the appropriate persons.
- Maintain records with appropriate, up to date, required papers and documentation following licensing regulations.
- Conduct parent/teacher conferences, staff meetings, attend director’s meetings, and attend training and conferences or professional organizations appropriate for child development centers.
- Produce quarterly newsletter and plan field trips and community projects.
Perform other tasks as may be assigned.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or related field, or 4 years directly related experience.
- Have and maintain bronze level following Appendix L-2, Oklahoma Director’s Credential
- Strong interpersonal and time management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimum direction
- Ability to communicate skills quickly, both orally and written
- Knowledge and ability to work with appropriate software applications
Must obtain a bus driving certificate and CDL within first 90 days of employment.
- Two years’ experience in in child development or early childhood education
Head Start Teacher Jobs by Experience Level
See All 433+ Head Start Teacher Jobs
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Find Head Start Teacher JobsHead Start Teacher Job Market
Who's Hiring
- South Central Missouri Community Action Agency17S
- JBS INTERNATIONAL11
- Innovative Network of Knowledge11
- Tri-Valley Opportunity Council8
- BCT Partners7
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Education
- Non-Profit & Social Services
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, JBS INTERNATIONAL, and Innovative Network of Knowledge, and the most openings are in Texas, New York, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 8% of head start teacher openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 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 433+ Head Start Teacher Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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