Assistant Teacher - Head Start

The Opportunity Alliance; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

9 holidays per year

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

403(b) retirement with company match

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF program eligible

Job summary

The Opportunity Alliance is hiring Assistant Teachers for Head Start programs in Portland, Maine. The role supports classroom learning under the supervision of Lead Teachers, focusing on safety, development, and family engagement.

Location is Portland, ME with a 40-hour work week, Monday–Friday. The program emphasizes school readiness and inclusive, culturally responsive teaching aligned with Head Start standards.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of center-based teaching or related early childhood work (preferred).
• Knowledge of family and child development and Head Start mission.
• Must pass criminal background, child protective services check, sex offender check, and immunizations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment.
• Support the growth and development of children and families through curriculum activities and classroom routines.
• Maintain a primary caseload of children and their families and document progress as required.

Skills

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma + CDA

CDA program enrollment

Advanced degree acceptable

Job description

Overview

Assistant Teacher for the Head Start program. The Opportunity Alliance is seeking to fill multiple Assistant Teacher positions to support our classrooms in Portland, ME. Head Start promotes school readiness for children from birth to age 5 and supports their mental, social, and emotional development.

The Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment in a center-based classroom, in accordance with the Family and Early Childhood Education program plan, Head Start Performance Standards, Maine licensing rules, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards. The Assistant Teacher maintains a primary caseload of children and their families.

Location and Schedule

Location: Portland, ME
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children and families in accordance with program standards and licensing.
• Support the growth and development of children and families through curriculum activities and classroom routines.
• Maintain a primary caseload of children and their families and document progress as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and CDA credential; or High School Diploma and enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years; or an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any field) or enrollment in a program leading to such a degree.
• For Assistant Teacher positions in Pre-K classrooms, Ed Tech II certification is required.
• Preferred: an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or related field; an associate degree with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education; or a bachelor’s or higher degree with related coursework.
• 1–2 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting, or community-based work related to preschool-age children and their families (preferred).
• Knowledge of the important role culture plays in child and family development; ability to work effectively with complex information and in teams; commitment to social justice and the Head Start mission.
• Must pass criminal background, child protective services check, and sex offender check; must not be on state or federal suspension/disbarment lists; must pass pre-employment physical and TB screen; must be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations.
• Must be able to exert physical effort with frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing, and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds; driving may be necessary but not a primary job responsibility.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off accrual, 9 paid holidays per calendar year, and up to 3 floating holidays per year.
• Excellent medical benefits; dental and vision insurance options.
• Agency-paid basic life insurance and STD & LTD disability insurances.
• 403(b) retirement with a generous agency match (all employees eligible).
• Tuition Reimbursement offered once per year through an application process.
• The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

About The Opportunity Alliance

The Opportunity Alliance is a community action agency dedicated to helping people reach for a brighter future. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities across Maine.