Assistant Teacher, Preschool - Head Start - full time

The Opportunity Alliance; South Portland (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families through education and support. As an Assistant Teacher in a preschool setting, you will work alongside experienced educators to create a safe and stimulating environment for young learners. This role emphasizes collaboration, cultural understanding, and a commitment to social justice, making it an ideal opportunity for those passionate about early childhood education. With competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, you will be part of a mission-driven team that values community impact and personal growth.

Benefits

Generous paid time off accrual

9 paid holidays per year

Excellent medical benefits

Dental and Vision insurance options

Agency paid life insurance

403(b) retirement with agency match

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and CDA credential or enrolled in CDA program required.
• Ed Tech II certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Teacher to provide a nurturing learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Skills

Team Collaboration

Cultural Awareness

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

CDA Credential

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Baccalaureate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Assistant Teacher, Preschool

Head Start Program

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 hour/week; M – F, early daytime hours.

LOCATION: Onsite, classroom in South Portland, ME.

PAY RATE: Pay is competitive and will be based on experience and education.

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.
• 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.
• Contracts that have Rider D: 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:

• 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

If you are viewing this posting on a third-party site, please visit our website at https://opportunityalliance.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers to apply.

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your application.

Thank you!