Child Care Buddy

The Opportunity Alliance; South Portland (ME); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

9 paid holidays per year

Excellent medical benefits

Dental and Vision insurance options

Agency paid life insurance and STD & L

TD & LTD

403(b) retirement with agency match

Tuition Reimbursement

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The Opportunity Alliance in Portland, ME is seeking a Part-time Child Care Buddy to support classrooms in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The role focuses on safety, daily routines, and one-on-one attention, providing a playmate and emotional support for young children.

We value teamwork, cultural awareness, and a commitment to social justice. Candidates must pass background checks, TB/physical, and immunization requirements; some travel to trainings may be needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, or be enrolled in a GED or CDA credential program (must complete within 2 years of hire).
• Knowledge of the important role culture plays in child and family development.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams.
• Commitment to social justice and the Head Start mission.
• Must pass criminal background, child protective services check, and sex offender checks.
• Must not be on state or federal suspension or disbarment lists.
• Pre-employment physical and TB screen required; MMR and TDAP immunizations current.
• Must lift and carry up to 25 pounds and may drive to meetings/trainings.

Responsibilities

• Keep children safe and assist with daily routines.
• Provide one-on-one attention and emotional support; act as a playmate for children.
• Support lead teacher, parent, or family as needed.
• Assist with classroom activities and play-based learning.

Skills

Teamwork

Cultural awareness

Social justice commitment

Background check compliance

Physical stamina

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent / CDA in progress

Job description

Position Overview

The Opportunity Alliance is looking to fill a Child Care Buddy position 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. A Child Care Buddy supports a lead teacher, parent, or family. Their main job is to keep kids safe, help with daily routines, and provide one‑on‑one attention and fun. This role focuses on being a playmate and emotional support figure for the children.

Schedule and Hours

Schedule: Part‑time, Monday – Friday. Core hours 3-5:30 pm. Location: Portland, ME.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent, or be attending high school or be enrolled in a GED preparation program, or be enrolled in a CDA credential program (any one of these must be completed within 2 years of hire) required.
• Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
• 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.
• ECE employee must be able to pass pre‑employment physical and TB screen.
• ECE 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 or accessing other means of transportation may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings.

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.

About The Opportunity Alliance

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

Contact

For general inquiries: [e-mail]. Administrative Office: 50 Lydia Lane South Portland, ME 04106.