Head Start Teacher

Maricopa County; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Exceptional work-life balance

Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

Access to on-site child care center

Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System

Job summary

A local government agency in Mesa, AZ is seeking a Head Start Teacher to promote active learning and create a safe environment for preschool children. Responsibilities include developing a curriculum tailored to various developmental stages and fostering parent engagement. Ideal candidates will have at least one year of teaching experience and an associate's degree in early childhood education. This role offers competitive pay and a chance to make a significant impact on children's lives.

Qualifications

• One year of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or public pre-kindergarten setting.
• Associate's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, care, and ensure children's safety.
• Develop age-appropriate education curriculum.
• Plan classroom experiences that meet various developmental stages.

Skills

Teaching experience

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Posting Date: 03/09/26

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Pay Range: $40,000 - $57,500 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type: Contractor with Benefits

Department: Human Services

About the Position

Do you want to make a difference in a child's life? As a Head Start Teacher, you will promote active learning in a preschool classroom by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, individualized experiences and creating a safe and nurturing environment for children. We will count on you to use cognitive-developmental approaches to enhance the students' language and literacy skills. As a Head Start Teacher, you will also have the opportunity to plan and participate in parent education, parent engagement, and family support activities.

We offer various classroom sites across the county. Our classrooms are welcoming and designed for interactive learning by children and their families. We offer a low teacher‑to‑student ratio of 1:10 with 20 students per classroom to provide the greatest opportunity for a healthy and effective learning environment. The county provides the supplies needed to support our teaching staff, and you will be part of a compassionate team of early education professionals who believe in preparing these children for future school success.

Be the spark that lights our children's path to success, and become a Head Start Teacher!

Classroom Locations for Head Start Teacher (Contract)

• Valor on 8th - 1001 E 8th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Lindbergh - 930 S Lazona Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201

About Us

Together, we can thrive. In Human Services, we focus on maximizing potential and providing support and resources for all stages of life. We partner with families and communities to encourage children to learn, invite youth and adults to cultivate professional skills, guide families to achieve financial success, and enable seniors to live independently.

Join our team and unlock your potential!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work‑life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low‑cost, high‑value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on‑site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• One year of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or public pre‑kindergarten setting
• Associate's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in early childhood education, child development, or infant/toddler development

We Also Value

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in early childhood education, child development or infant/toddler development
• Two or more years of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or pre‑kindergarten setting
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Job Contributions

• Assumes responsibility for the supervision, care, and welfare of the classroom children to ensure their safety and well‑being at all times
• Develops, organizes, and implements age‑appropriate child education curriculum
• Plans classroom experiences that meet different developmental stages, interests, temperaments, learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds
• Develops and implements a multicultural curriculum that utilizes developmentally appropriate practices that meet the needs and interests of students
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and Office of Head Start Performance Standards regulations, Arizona licensing requirements, and program policies and procedures
• Respects, values, supports each child and family background and facilitates parent participation as equal partners in all aspects of the Educational Plans
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members

Working Conditions

• Background check and Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card upon hire
• Medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB) upon hire
• Follows a full‑year schedule, typically comprised of 2,088 hours annually, with classrooms operating Monday‑Friday
• Classroom, playground, and office environment with possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease
• Must obtain a CPR, first aid, and food handler's certification within six weeks of hire
• Ability to travel to and from job‑related locations during a scheduled workday using a private or County vehicle
• Ability to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site occasionally
• Ability to stand, sit on the floor, be indoors/outdoors for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work with children with special needs, IEPs, 504s, and various medical conditions

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre‑employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety‑sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!

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