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.