What Education Levels are Required for Head Start Staff?

Head Start wants to ensure that the staff and teachers who are serving local families have the appropriate education to do so.

The Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) hosts a series of briefs that outlines all the educational requirements for the majority of Head Start staff positions, everything from Executive Directors to Home Visitors. Those briefs rely primarily on descriptions given in the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), with some accompanying information from the Head Start Act.

For easy reference, we put together a list of all the positions outlined in the HSPPS with a brief description of the education requirements for each (for more detailed descriptions, see the HSPPS 45 CFR §1302.91). Keep in mind that these are the minimum requirements for each position. Grantees can always increase the requirements based on their needs.

Also note that when staff members hold several positions, say for example the Education Manager is also the Disabilities Coordinator, that person must meet the highest education requirement.

* Note: All positions within Head Start require a high school diploma or equivalency.