Staff Qualifications
POLICY:
The program will ensure all staff have sufficient knowledge, training and experience, and competencies to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of their positions to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Degree Requirements:
HEAD START CENTER-BASED TEACHER:
All Head Start center-based teachers have at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education.
No less than fifty percent of all Head Start center-based teachers, nationwide, have a baccalaureate degree in child development, early childhood education, or equivalent coursework.
HEAD START TEACHING ASSISTANTS:
At least a child development associate (CDA) credential; or
Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree; or
Be enrolled in a child development associate (CDA) credential program to be completed within 2 years of the time of hire.
HEAD START HOME VISITORS:
A minimum of a home-based CDA credential or comparable credential, or equivalent coursework as part of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
HEAD START FAMILY ADVOCATES (FA):
FA staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7, 2016, have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in a social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field.
HEAD START EDUCATION MANAGER:
A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or
A baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
HEAD START HEALTH MANAGER:
A program must ensure health procedures are performed only by a licensed or certified health professional.
FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER:
Hired after November 7, 2016, must have, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree, preferably related to one or more of the disciplines he or she oversees.
DISABILITIES COORDINATOR:
Hired after November 7, 2016, must have, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree, preferably related to one or more of the disciplines he or she oversees.
COACH:
A minimum of a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a related field.
HEAD START DIRECTOR:
Hired after November 7, 2016, has at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree and experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management, and administration.
FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Hired after November 7, 2016 is a certified public accountant or has, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree in accounting, business, fiscal management, or a related field.
MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT:
Licensed or certified mental health professionals. A program must use mental health consultants with knowledge of and experienced in serving young children and their families, if available in the community.
NUTRITION CONSULTANT:
Registered Dietitians or Nutritionists.
This policy complies with the following |
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Head Start Program Performance Standard: | 1302.91 Staff qualifications and competency requirements | |
ODJFS Child Care Manual: | ||
CACFP Regulation: | ||
Caring for Our Children: | ||
Other Sources: | Head Start Act 648A a 2 B i, 648A a 2 B ii, Act 645a h, 648A a 3 B |
Effective Date: | 8/7/17 | Reviewed Date: | 12/1/22 | ||
Approved By Policy Council: | Revision Approved By Policy Council: |