Assistant Teacher - Head Start (GA)

The Opportunity Alliance; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off accrual

9 paid holidays + up to 3 floating

Excellent medical benefits

Dental and Vision insurance options

Life insurance and STD & LTD

403(b) retirement with agency match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

The Opportunity Alliance seeks Assistant Teacher Head Start staff in Portland, ME to support classrooms and promote school readiness for children from birth to age 5. You will collaborate with Lead Teacher and Attendant to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment and engage families in program goals.

Requirements include a high school diploma with CDA or CDA enrollment within two years, or an associate/bachelor degree; Ed Tech II for Pre-K; 1-2 years of related experience; and the ability

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required with CDA credential or enrollment in CDA within two years.
• Associate or bachelor degree (any field) or pursuing one is acceptable. For Pre-K, Ed Tech II certification is required.
• 1-2 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, or related work preferred.
• Knowledge of culture’s role in child and family development.
• Must pass background checks and immunization requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Teacher and Aide to create a safe, nurturing learning environment for children from birth to age 5.
• Manage a primary caseload of children and families within Head Start guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Maine licensing, and NAEYC standards.
• Support social, emotional, and cognitive development through center-based activities.

Skills

Teamwork

Social justice commitment

Background checks clearance

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma + CDA credential

High School Diploma + CDA program in two years

Associate or Baccalaureate degree (any field) or pursuing one

Ed Tech II certification (Pre-K)

Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Assistant Teacher Head Start program

The Opportunity Alliance is looking to fill a variety of Assistant Teacher positions to support our various classrooms in Portland, ME. Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through local programs. Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment, primarily in a center-based classroom, for the overall growth and development of children & families in accordance with the Family and Early Childhood Education program plan, Head Start Performance Standards, State of Maine licensing rules, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards. The Assistant Teacher has a primary caseload of children & their families.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

Location: Portland, ME.

Qualifications

Qualifications: High School Diploma and CDA credential; or, High School Diploma and be enrolled in a CDA program that will be completed within two years; or, have an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree, required. For Assistant Teacher positions in Pre-K classrooms, Ed Tech II certification is required. An associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or; an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education or; a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, preferred. 1-2 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to preschool age children & their families preferred. Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex information to address challenging situations. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams. Commitment to social justice and the mission of Head Start. Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check. Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list. Must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen. Must be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations. Must be able to exert significant physical effort with frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and frequently lift and carry small children or material weighing up to 25 pounds. Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings but is not a primarily and essential job responsibility.

Benefits

Our benefits include but are not limited to: (offered to full-time and part-time employees)

• Generous paid time off accrual
• 9 paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year
• Excellent medical benefits at very reasonable cost
• 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 are 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. To learn more about our benefits please visit, https://www.opportunityalliance.org/explore-our-benefits

Who we are…

The Opportunity Alliance is “Helping People Reach for a Brighter Future”. Mission: The Opportunity Alliance works with people to build better lives and stronger communities. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify the goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities. The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a dynamic, results-focused Community Action Agency providing approximately 50 integrated community-based and clinical programs serving more than 20,000 people annually throughout the state of Maine. With over 50 years of experience, TOA draws from a comprehensive set of programs which address issues such as mental health, substance use, homelessness, lack of basic needs, and access to community supports. Through an extensive array of services, TOA provides opportunities for individuals to stabilize fragile situations and then works with them to achieve self-sufficiency. TOA is client-focused with extensive experience working with diverse client populations. TOA programming includes four key sectors of service: Mental Health & Wellness Community Building Family & Early Childhood Education Economic Resources

To build better lives and stronger communities across Maine, The Opportunity Alliance supports people with the programs and resources they need to improve their health, safety, and stability. The Opportunity Alliance envisions a community in which all people in Maine have access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education programs, safe and stable housing, effective and compassionate mental health and substance use treatment, and basic needs supports.

Why Work for TOA

Employee Testimonials Explore our Benefits For general inquiries: [e-mail] Administrative Office: 50 Lydia Lane South Portland, ME 04106