Head Start Instructor

Job Type: Full-time, Nine (9) months (182 days) per year according to PPSB

School Year: 2026-2027

Salary Range: $36,978-$64,042

Ad Valorem - 2.40 parish property (ad valorem) tax mills are dedicated to employee salaries.  The annual receipts from this tax are distributed to employees twice a year, one-half in January and one-half in June. The amount of each employee’s supplement is the employee’s salary multiplied by the annual percentage (computed each year based on actual tax revenues)

Job Goal

To develop and implement a developmentally appropriate environment for three (3) and four (4)-year-old children. The Head Start Instructor has the primary responsibility for ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and Type III licensing applicable to the Head Start Center are met and maintained throughout the school year.

Qualifications (minimum education, licensure, skills and/or experience)

Required

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited institution.
• Early Childhood Ancillary Certification (ECAC).
• Must meet the requirements of a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as outlined in Louisiana Revised Statute 17:15 and Bulletin 746. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited institution.

• At least one (1) year preschool, Head Start or Early Care experience.
• Strong knowledge of child development.
• Ability to develop and implement a lesson plan.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Certification.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and implements, with input from the Head Start Assistant, a developmentally appropriate preschool program for three (3) and four (4)-year-old children.
• Integrates social-emotional, cognitive, language and physical development activities. 
• Takes an active role and accepts suggestions in the Head Start Coaching Program.
• Administers standardized assessment instruments to all children. 
• Administers approved screeners and communicates the results to the parents.
• Provides interactions with children based on the observation tool to ensure a positive, well organized and managed classroom that supports children’s academic growth to kindergarten readiness. 
• Collaborates with the Head Start Office Staff and the Special Education Department to develop and implement Special Education or behavioral programs for individual children. 
• Documents all intervention data consistently to meet the children’s needs.
• Establishes strong respectful partnerships with parents.
• Conducts a minimum of two (2) home visits and two (2) conferences per school year.
• Collaborates in the completion of Family Partnership Plans, needed social services or any other assistance to improve the families. 
• Maintains a positive social environment in the Head Start Center.

Physical Demands

This role primarily operates in an indoor, climate-controlled environment, with exposure to minimal temperature variations. The usual methods of performing job functions require light lifting (ten to twenty [10-20] pounds), carrying, pushing and pulling with frequent engagement in activities such as standing, walking and sitting. Additional physical requirements include the ability to sit for prolonged periods; frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry and computer-based tasks or other responsibilities; extended use of a computer for data analysis, report generation, communication and administrative duties; manual dexterity for various responsibilities; and adaptability to switch between multiple tasks and manage interruptions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer  

The Plaquemines Parish School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. The district is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. 

Salary : $36,978 - $64,042