Posting Date

09/15/26

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Pay Range

$42,500 - $65,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Contractor with Benefits

Department

Human Services

About the Position

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 students’ 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 the opportunity to join a compassionate team of early education professionals who believe in the mission to prepare these children for future school success.

As a Head Start 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.
Candidates without the required credentials are encouraged to apply for the Teaching Assistant while they earn their CDA.
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!

The Early Education Division is dedicated to ensuring children have the knowledge and skills to be successful in school and life through service delivery to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. Head Start encompasses Head Start preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

About Us

The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility.

In 2025, the Human Services Department was the proud recipient of 23 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), highlighting the Department’s commitment to providing support for low-income and at-risk communities. Maricopa County Human Services was honored for a wide variety of programs showcasing their valuable work including Regional Solutions to Homelessness in Rural and Underserved Communities, Pathway to Rapid Reemployment, Tonopah Fire Station Improvements, Refugee Relocation Assistance Program, Early Education Division’s EVIT Expanded Partnership, and several other initiatives.

Join our team and unlock your potential!

Proud to Offer

Work with a greater purpose
Exceptional work-life balance
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center,Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

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

We Also Value

Bilingual skills in English and Spanish
Experience as a former or current Head Start parent

Job Contributions

Assumes responsibility for the supervision, care, and welfare of the classroom children, to ensure their safety and well-being at all times
Develops, organizes, and implements age-appropriate child education curriculum
Plans classroom experiences that meet different developmental stages, interests, temperaments, learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds
Develops and implements a multicultural curriculum that utilizes developmentally appropriate practices that meet the needs and interests of students
Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and Office of Head Start Performance Standards regulations, Arizona licensing requirements, and program policies and procedures
Respects, values, and supports each child and family background, and facilitates parent participation as equal partners in all aspects of the Educational Plans
Develops and maintains positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members
Assists with the recruitment and enrollment of children and families into the Maricopa County EED Program
Ensures the classroom environment is safe, clean, orderly, and facilitates growth, development, and learning
Assists with maintaining daily communication with parents and assists in conducting a minimum of two educational home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per family each program year
Assists in the planning of child transitions into Head Start and out of Head Start to kindergarten

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a classroom, playground, and office environment as assigned and is subject to change based on the program's needs
Position may have possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious diseases
Position follows either a full-year (213 days) or a partial-year (165 days) schedule, with Birth to Five site classrooms operating Monday through Friday
If position is a contracted position, it will follow a part-year 10-month work schedule, that is from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday thorugh Friday
Ability to stand, sit on the floor, be indoors/outdoors for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds
May be required to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site
Ability to travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of a County or private vehicle used on County business
Valid Arizona driver’s license is required upon hire
Background check and Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card are required upon hire
Must complete a medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB) upon hire
Must obtain a CPR, first aid, and food handler’s certification within six weeks of hire

Selection Procedure

Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [email protected] to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!

About the company

Maricopa County operates as a county government serving residents in one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. It provides public services and programs to improve people’s lives both now and in the long term, covering areas like public safety, health, housing, transportation, and community development. The “product” is the set of government services and programs delivered to residents, businesses, and visitors, and how they are accessed—through county offices, websites, hotlines, and in-person service centers. These services are funded by taxes and fees and are managed by elected officials and county staff who implement policy and run daily operations. The county works to deliver reliable services efficiently, with emphasis on transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness to community needs. The goal is to create a safe, healthy, and thriving community for current residents and future generations.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Phoenix, Arizona

Founded

1871

Get referred to Maricopa County

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

September 2026 budget approval preserved services, cut property tax rates, and boosted public safety pay.
August 2026 and September 2026 project launches expand transportation, veterans, and community-service reach.
Connected Vehicle Acceleration Zone and Chase Field renovation keep Maricopa central to Arizona infrastructure.

What critics are saying

Heap v. Galvin threatens 2026 elections and could paralyze recorder-board operations.
The FY2026 budget reduces taxpayer-funded positions, tightening staffing across county departments.
Extreme heat remains lethal; 430 heat deaths in 2025 show persistent execution risk.

What makes Maricopa County unique

Maricopa County runs essential services for 4.5 million residents across nearly fifty lines.
It pairs public safety, elections, health, and transportation under one county operator.
Mari, launched July 13, 2026, gives residents IBM-powered 24/7 service access.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Parental Leave
401(k) Company Match
401(k) Retirement Plan
Wellness Program
Professional Development Budget

Company News

PHX Reporter

Sep 8th, 2026

Maricopa County receives $1.5 million grant to expand services for incarcerated veterans.

Maricopa County receives $1.5 million grant to expand services for incarcerated veterans. Maricopa County has been awarded a three-year, $1.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor's Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program to expand workforce development services for incarcerated veterans, according to a Sept. 8 announcement. "Every veteran in our community deserves a meaningful opportunity to build a stable and successful future," said Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. "Veterans are highly valued members of the workforce, and adding such a meaningful reentry program ensures quality employment opportunities will be available upon release. This is an investment in the economic opportunity, independence, and the long-term success of veterans." The funding will provide approximately $500,000 per year over three years to serve veterans in local correctional and long-term care institutions with individualized career planning, skills assessments, training programs, apprenticeships, work-based learning opportunities, and connections with fair-chance employers in high-demand industries. The program also expands on Maricopa County's Smart Justice initiatives by focusing additional resources on recently released veterans through career coaching and job placement support. A new full-time Program Coordinator - Veteran Reintegration position will be created using grant funds to oversee implementation and strengthen partnerships with organizations including the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Bound by Valor Unit, Phoenix Veteran's Affairs office, Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, and other local groups involved in veteran reintegration efforts. Until this position is filled, veterans can access existing Workforce Development and Smart Justice programs. By establishing this dedicated pipeline for veteran reintegration into employment and community life after incarceration, Maricopa County aims to reduce barriers faced by justice-involved veterans while improving access to housing and community resources needed for long-term self-sufficiency. The Maricopa County Human Services Department provides various programs aimed at building resiliency among residents experiencing adversity through early childhood education initiatives; housing assistance; independent living services for seniors or adults with disabilities; crisis rental or utility help; career development for job seekers facing obstacles; as well as support for people experiencing homelessness, according to Maricopa County. These comprehensive services are designed collaboratively with respect for dignity while promoting social mobility. In related educational outcomes within Maricopa County: 62.9% of students in grades 3 through 8 failed the mathematics section of the 2022-23 AASA assessment; 65% of high schoolers failed the mathematics section of that year's ACT; while passing rates improved slightly during the following school year with 33.9% passing math on the ACT among high schoolers and 36% passing math on AASA among younger students, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

PHX Reporter

Sep 3rd, 2026

Maricopa County opens new community and resource center in Surprise.

Maricopa County opens new community and resource center in Surprise. Maricopa County and the City of Surprise celebrated the grand opening of the new Surprise Community & Resource Center, a 35,000-square-foot facility designed to bring critical services together for residents, on Sep. 3. Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Debbie Lesko said, "It's been exciting to see Surprise develop into one of the fastest-growing communities in Maricopa County. With this growth comes the responsibility to ensure public services are expanding at an equal pace. The Board's investment in this new resource center is about giving families, seniors, veterans, and other residents of this vibrant community the support they need to thrive." The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $18 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for construction in 2022. The project was completed through an Intergovernmental Agreement between Maricopa County and the City of Surprise that allocated a combined $27 million toward the facility. Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor said, "The vision of creating a Surprise Community & Resource Center like this could only become a reality through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to serving our community. By bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers who share our passion for people, we are ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors of this new center will find the high-quality services, resources, and support they need. When we can all come together like this, it provides a stronger community for everyone." The new center consolidates programs previously offered at several aging city facilities such as the Surprise Resource Center, Hollyhock Library, and Surprise Senior Center. It offers library services; workforce development; health and wellness programs; housing assistance; benefit assistance; veteran and senior services; after-school youth programs; summer youth programs; and three Head Start classrooms - the first such classrooms established within the City of Surprise. Education outcomes remain an ongoing concern locally: In Maricopa County during recent school years 62.9% of students in grades 3 through 8 failed mathematics sections while 57.2% failed English sections on standardized tests such as AASA; among high schoolers during similar periods 65% failed mathematics sections while 57% failed English sections on ACT exams, according to the Arizona Department of Education. More recently, there have been improvements with approximately one-third or more students passing these subjects. The facility is part of continued efforts using federal funding to expand local resources directly into communities.

AIJourn

Sep 1st, 2026

Ettifos V2X-AIR to support major Connected Vehicle deployment in Arizona.

Ettifos V2X-AIR to support major Connected Vehicle deployment in Arizona. PHOENIX, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Ettifos, a V2X communications technology provider, has been selected through a competitive procurement process to support the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) in the delivery of the Connected Vehicle Acceleration Zone (CVAZ), a major U.S. deployment designed to accelerate interoperable vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology across key corridors in Maricopa County, Arizona. Supported through a $20 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), CVAZ forms part of the Federal Highway Administration's national effort to accelerate real-world V2X deployment and establish scalable models for connected transportation infrastructure. Running from 2024 to 2028, CVAZ will use primarily 5.9 GHz communications, connecting up to 650 roadside units with approximately 400 on-board units. Ettifos will supply its V2X-AIR aftermarket on-board unit (OBU) to support CVAZ V2X applications. V2X-AIR is a compact, BABA-compliant aftermarket OBU designed to bring existing vehicles into the connected transportation ecosystem without requiring factory-integrated V2X hardware. It supports C-V2X direct communications, enabling vehicles to receive and exchange safety and mobility information with connected roadside infrastructure and other connected road users. The multi-vendor deployment is bringing together V2X solutions from various suppliers to create an interoperable environment that supports deployment scalability and sustainability. CVAZ V2X applications include Emergency Vehicle Preemption, Vulnerable Road User safety, Transit Signal Priority and Freight Signal Priority. These applications are designed to improve situational awareness and safety while supporting the efficient movement of emergency, transit and freight vehicles. The deployment covers key corridors and communities across Maricopa County, including Phoenix, Tolleson, Avondale and unincorporated areas, as well as Arizona Department of Transportation corridors such as US 60. Ettifos' participation in CVAZ demonstrates its focus on moving V2X from technology development into practical, large-scale deployment. Hojun Kim, CEO of Ettifos, commented: "CVAZ represents an important step toward real-world, scalable V2X deployments in the U.S. The AI Journal Ltd. is proud to support the project with V2X-AIR and demonstrate how Ettifos' technology can connect existing vehicles to safer, smarter transportation networks across Maricopa County. "Deployments like CVAZ are essential to proving the value of V2X technology at scale and accelerating its adoption across the U.S." SOURCE Ettifos Co. 15 minutes ago 19 minutes ago 20 minutes ago

ABC15

Aug 20th, 2026

Valley businessman named to lead $500M Chase Field renovation project.

Valley businessman named to lead $500M Chase Field renovation project. By: Brandon Brown, Phoenix Business Journal Posted 10:10 AM, Aug 20, 2026 PHOENIX - The board of directors of the Maricopa County Stadium District, which is overseeing the renovation of Chase Field, has hired Valley businessman Mark Winkleman as its executive director. While the Maricopa County Stadium District has been around since 1991, the board was given new life last year after the state legislature approved a law to redirect some tax dollars generated at the Major League Baseball stadium to the renovation of the 28-year-old professional sports facility. Winkleman will serve as the Stadium District's chief executive officer and administrative lead. He will work with the board to oversee the district's financial and operational performance, implement its policies and strategic priorities, and represent the district with public officials, community stakeholders, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Want more news in your community? Add ABC15 as a preferred source on Google below:

Metric Media LLC

Jul 13th, 2026

Maricopa County launches AI-powered virtual assistant for county website users.

Maricopa County launches AI-powered virtual assistant for county website users. Maricopa County has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant to its official website, providing residents with round-the-clock access to information about county programs and services, according to a July 13 announcement. The tool, developed in collaboration with IBM technology, is designed to help users quickly find relevant information by interpreting natural language questions and guiding them directly to trusted county sources. "With this enhancement to Maricopa.gov, we are giving residents a way to find information about county services faster, anytime they want, with fewer steps," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee. "If you like the traditional search bar or clicking through menus, you can continue to do so. But if you prefer the AI chat experience, now we have that available too. It's part of a broader county initiative to meet residents where they are with enhanced and personalized service." The virtual assistant - nicknamed "Mari" - appears as an orange circle on the bottom-right corner of the site and is designed for more than just keyword searches. Residents can ask questions in everyday language and include personal preferences; Mari then directs them across multiple county websites for answers on topics such as pet adoption, property ownership, or public health. Each response includes links back to official sources for those seeking further details. Elliott Aten, General Manager for IBM's U.S. West Region, said: "I'm proud to see Maricopa County exploring new ways to make government services more accessible and responsive... By applying IBM's technology to trusted County information, Mari can help connect people to answers more quickly while supporting the governance, transparency, and human oversight residents expect." Staff review interactions tracked by Mari in order to improve responses over time. To ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence tools like Mari, Maricopa County has implemented technological guardrails using IBM watsonx Orchestrate technology grounded in publicly available data controlled at the department level. Requests that require specialized attention are rerouted appropriately; system controls aim at reducing inappropriate responses; and human oversight remains present throughout most processes. "Today's residents expect government to be as accessible and responsive as the services they use every day," said Richard McHattie, Chief Information Officer for Maricopa County. "Mari is another step in our commitment...by providing trusted information instantly." This launch reflects ongoing efforts by local leadership toward modernizing resident interaction with government agencies, according to Maricopa County. In related education metrics from recent years within Maricopa County: 62.9% of students in grades 3 through 8 failed mathematics on the AASA during the 2022-23 school year; similarly high failure rates were observed among high schoolers taking both mathematics (65%) and English (57%) sections of standardized tests such as ACTs, according to the Arizona Department of Education. Recent improvements saw approximately one-third of students passing these assessments during the subsequent academic year.

Maricopa County

Head Start Teacher

About the job