About the Opportunity

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 student’s 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 to be part of a compassionate team of early education professionals who believe in the mission of preparing these children for future school success.

As a 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.
• 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! 

Apply now and take advantage of the County’s sign-on bonus of up to $2,000 for eligible Head Start Teachers!

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!

Why Us

• Perform work with a greater purpose
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
• Paid vacation, sick, and parental (birth/adoption) leaves
• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
• Employee discounts for goods and services
• Click here for more information: https://www.maricopa.gov/5284/Why-Work-Here

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

We Require

• An 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
• One year of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or public pre-kindergarten setting 

Other Requirements 

• Must complete a background check and fingerprint identification upon hire to secure and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card 
• Must complete a medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB)
• Must obtain a CPR, first aid, and food handler’s certification within six weeks of hire

We Value

• A 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 skills in English and Spanish
• Former or current Head Start parents or staff

The tasks listed are a representation and not an all-inclusive list of essential job tasks for this position.

As the Head Start Teacher, you will: 

• Assume responsibility for the supervision, care, and welfare of the classroom children, to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times
• Develop, organize, and implement an age-appropriate child education curriculum
• Plan classroom experiences that meet different developmental stages, interests, temperaments, learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds
• Develop and implement a multicultural curriculum that utilizes developmentally appropriate practices which meet the needs and interests of students
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and Office of Head Start Performance Standards regulations, Arizona licensing requirements, and program policies and procedures
• Respect, value, and support each child and family backgrounds and facilitate parent participation as equal partners in all aspects of Educational Plans
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members

• Carry out authorized emergency and safety procedures and administer first aid and/or CPR in the classroom as needed

Working Conditions 

• Follows a full-year schedule that is typically comprised of 2,088 hours annually
• Birth to Five site classrooms operate Monday through Friday
• Work is performed in a classroom, playground, and office environment as assigned and is subject to change based on the program need
• May require travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles or private vehicles used on County business
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Must be able to stand, sit on the floor, and be indoors and outdoors for extended periods
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease
• May be required to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications 
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation, including federal drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.