Head Start Staff Exceed Required Qualifications

posted 8/17/22 -- The knowledge of Head Start staff is crucial to supporting the health, learning and development of children as well as their family’s strengths, needs, and parenting skills. No professional can do this without building their awareness, skills, and competencies through professional development.

Head Start Performance Standards lay out the training and qualification requirements for all levels of staff. In many cases, LCCAA Head Start staff exceed these requirements.

For example, staff are required to complete at least 15 hours of training per year. In 2021-2022, the average number of hours completed by LCCAA staff was 29.

  • LCCAA Head Start key management staff exceed requirements to hold position-related degrees.
  • Home Visitors must have at least the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and competencies to plan and implement home-based learning experiences.
  • Assistant Teachers must hold at least the CDA credential; if not, they must earn it within two years of hire or be enrolled in an early childhood associate’s degree program.
  • Early Head Start Teachers must hold, at minimum, the national CDA credential and have training or coursework specific to infant/toddler development.
  • Head Teachers must have at least an associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education. Among all the head teachers, at least 50% must hold a bachelor’s degree. At LCCAA, 60% of our head teachers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Family Service staff must have, within 18 months of hire, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field. Many have the Family Development Specialist (FDS) certification which renews annually.
  • Each area of health services and procedures must be performed by a licensed or certified health professional.