Head Start Teacher Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly knowledge-based society, the importance of early childhood education can’t be underestimated.

As we make strides in understanding child development, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, enrich, and champion the learning journey of our youngest minds is more urgent than ever.

But what does the role of a Head Start Teacher Coordinator really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of early childhood education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Head Start Teacher Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Head Start Teacher Coordinators are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the Head Start program that promotes the school readiness of low-income children by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

They ensure that the program is implemented effectively and meets the standards set by the Head Start Act.

The duties and responsibilities of a Head Start Teacher Coordinator include:

• Planning and executing educational programs and activities that comply with the Head Start standards
• Coordinating with teachers to develop age-appropriate curricula and learning objectives
• Observing and evaluating teacher performance and providing feedback and guidance as necessary
• Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children at all times during the program
• Assisting in the development and implementation of training programs for staff
• Monitoring and assessing the progress of children, and developing and implementing strategies to meet individual needs
• Collaborating with parents and other family members to foster a supportive learning environment at home
• Managing administrative tasks such as record keeping, budgeting, and reporting to ensure program accountability
• Engaging with community organizations and agencies to promote the Head Start program and recruit eligible children
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to early childhood education

 

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head Start Teacher Coordinator to lead our team of early childhood educators.

The responsibilities of the Head Start Teacher Coordinator include creating and implementing developmental programs, training and mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong leadership skills, have a passion for early childhood education, and a thorough understanding of the Head Start program.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high-quality early childhood education programs in line with the Head Start framework.
• Supervise, train, and mentor teaching staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and Head Start performance standards.
• Coordinate with family services, health, and nutrition personnel to ensure holistic child development.
• Monitor classrooms and provide feedback to improve teaching strategies and child outcomes.
• Conduct staff meetings, training, and professional development sessions.
• Collaborate with parents and community partners to enhance the program’s effectiveness.
• Manage resources and materials for the program.
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and engaging learning environment for children.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience in the Head Start program or similar early childhood education programs.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent understanding of child development and up-to-date knowledge of early education methods.
• Familiarity with Head Start performance standards and other relevant regulations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• First Aid and CPR certification.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Head Start Teacher Coordinator
• Work Environment: Classroom and office setting within a pre-school or early education center.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Early Childhood Education or similar.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Head Start Teacher Coordinator Do?

Head Start Teacher Coordinators play a pivotal role in early childhood education, typically managing and overseeing the Head Start Program, which is aimed at low-income children and their families.

They are responsible for developing and implementing an appropriate curriculum that adheres to state and federal guidelines for early childhood education.

This includes creating lesson plans, organizing activities, and ensuring that the learning environment is safe and conducive to learning.

The Head Start Teacher Coordinator often interacts directly with children, providing them with educational instruction and social-emotional support.

They assess the developmental needs of each child and adjust the curriculum accordingly to provide individualized learning experiences.

In addition, they also liaise with parents or guardians, providing them with updates on their child’s progress, and offering guidance on how to support the child’s learning at home.

They may organize parental involvement activities and conduct home visits when necessary.

Moreover, as coordinators, they are in charge of administrative tasks such as managing program budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, hiring and training teachers, and coordinating with other education professionals to achieve program goals.

Their role is not only to ensure the smooth running of the program but also to play a key part in developing the foundational learning skills of children in the crucial early stages of their lives.

 

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Head Start Teacher Coordinator should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with their job role, such as:

• Strong understanding and experience with the Head Start program, its goals, and methods for achieving them
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with teachers, staff, parents, and community members
• Leadership and team management skills to guide, motivate, and support the teaching staff in delivering high-quality education
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood education, and the ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Ability to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the program, and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with families and involve them in children’s learning
• Organizational and administrative skills for coordinating program activities, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise in the classroom or program management
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, and relevant experience in teaching or child care administration

 

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Experience Requirements

Head Start Teacher Coordinators generally begin their careers as early childhood educators or teachers.

They typically need a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, and a minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience in an early childhood setting.

Practical experience in implementing early childhood curriculum and working closely with children of diverse backgrounds is essential.

Experience in planning, organizing, and leading educational activities is also necessary.

It’s also beneficial for candidates to have experience in a supervisory role in an educational setting, as this role often involves overseeing and coordinating the work of other teachers.

This could be through a team-lead or mentor teacher role.

Experience in working with families, managing staff, and complying with Head Start performance standards and state licensing regulations is often required.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in early childhood education and who have held leadership positions may be well-suited for a Head Start Teacher Coordinator role, as it requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

 

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Head Start Teacher Coordinators typically require a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development or a related field.

Furthermore, they need to have a solid background in child development and early learning techniques.

They are usually required to have previous experience in a Head Start program or similar early childhood education setting.

Some positions may require Head Start Teacher Coordinators to hold a master’s degree in education, child development or a related field, particularly for positions involving supervisory or program management responsibilities.

Head Start Teacher Coordinators may also need to be certified through the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or other early childhood education certification.

Ongoing professional development and training may also be required to stay updated on the latest child development research and teaching techniques.

In addition to these academic qualifications, Head Start Teacher Coordinators should also demonstrate strong leadership skills, have excellent communication and organization abilities, and exhibit a strong commitment to the welfare and development of children.

 

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Head Start Teacher Coordinator earns an average salary of $48,500 (USD) per year.

This salary may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the nature of the employing organization.

 

Head Start Teacher Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Head Start Teacher Coordinator need?

A Head Start Teacher Coordinator typically needs a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree.

Furthermore, they must have a significant amount of experience in teaching and should have a deep understanding of early childhood development.

Special certifications, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, can be beneficial.

 

What are the primary responsibilities of a Head Start Teacher Coordinator?

The primary responsibilities of a Head Start Teacher Coordinator include overseeing the planning and implementation of educational programs, ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards, coordinating with teachers and other staff to create a conducive learning environment, and facilitating communication between teachers, parents, and administration.

 

What skills are important for a Head Start Teacher Coordinator?

Important skills for a Head Start Teacher Coordinator include strong leadership and management skills to oversee a team of teachers.

They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children, parents, staff, and other stakeholders.

Problem-solving skills, patience, and the ability to work under pressure are also critical.

They should also be able to understand and apply child development concepts in the classroom.

 

What qualities make a good Head Start Teacher Coordinator?

A good Head Start Teacher Coordinator is passionate about early childhood education and is dedicated to the growth and development of children.

They should have excellent leadership skills, be able to motivate and guide their team, and be organized and detail-oriented.

They should also have strong empathy and patience to deal with children from diverse backgrounds.

 

How can I assess a candidate’s suitability for the Head Start Teacher Coordinator position?

When assessing a candidate’s suitability for a Head Start Teacher Coordinator position, look for relevant educational qualifications and experience in the field of early childhood education.

Review their experience with curriculum development, teacher supervision, and parent engagement.

You should also consider their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

A successful Head Start Teacher Coordinator candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to early childhood education and the ability to work effectively with diverse children and families.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a Head Start Teacher Coordinator.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about managing teachers.

It’s about shaping the future of education, one lesson plan at a time.

Equipped with our ultimate Head Start Teacher Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why not go the extra mile?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating compelling job listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every lesson plan is a part of the broader curriculum.

Let’s shape the future of education. Together.

How to Become a Head Start Teacher Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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