Head Start Teacher

maricopa; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purposeful work

Work-life balance

Growth opportunities

Healthcare

Child care benefits

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Wellness program

State retirement match

Job summary

Maricopa County Human Services Department is seeking a Head Start Teacher to promote developmentally appropriate learning in a preschool setting. You will plan activities, support language and literacy, and maintain a safe, nurturing classroom.

The role offers a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio, opportunities for paid continuing education and CDA certification on the job, fingerprint clearance paid by the County, and comprehensive health benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in preschool education and promoting language and literacy development.
• Ability to plan developmentally appropriate activities and promote family engagement.
• Wamiliarity with Head Start program goals and CDA process.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate preschool activities.
• Create a safe, nurturing classroom environment encouraging learning.
• Engage with families through parent education and involvement activities.

Skills

Early childhood education

Language and literacy development

Education

Fingerprints clearance (Level 1)

CDA Certification in progress

Job description

Posting Date 08/21/26

Application Deadline Open Until Filled

Pay Range $40,000 - $59,800 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.

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. Did we mention the County provides the supplies needed to support our teaching staff? We also offer the opportunity to join a compassionate team of early education professionals who believe in the mission to prepare these children for future school success.

As a Head Start Teacher, you will be excited to learn about other added benefits, including:

• Paid continuing education, professional development, and tuition reimbursement
• Paid Child Development Association Certification (CDA) that you can earn on the job! With this certification, you can grow in your Head Start career by advancing into our teaching positions.
• Candidates without the required credentials are encouraged to apply for the Teaching Assistant while they earn their CDA.
• Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance card and renewal paid for by Maricopa County
• Amazing health and wellness programs, including pet insurance! Our health insurance plans are more than competitive, with the option to earn a wellness incentive payback of $60 per month
• Free Office of Head Start https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs membership

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

The Early Education Division is dedicated to ensuring children have the knowledge and skills to be successful in school and life through service delivery to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well‑being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. Head Start encompasses Head Start preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

About Us

The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well‑being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility.

In 2025, the Human Services Department was the proud recipient of 23 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), highlighting the Department's commitment to providing support for low‑income and at‑risk communities. Maricopa County Human Services was honored for a wide variety of programs showcasing their valuable work including Regional Solutions to Homelessness in Rural and Underserved Communities, Pathway to Rapid Reemployment, Tonopah Fire Station Improvements, Refugee Relocation Assistance Program, Early Education Division's EVIT Expanded Partnership, and several other initiatives.

Join our team and unlock your potential!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• 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 an 11.98% per paycheck 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,