Early Head Start Teacher Aide

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Medical benefits

Dental and Vision

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking an Infant/Toddler Teacher Aide for our Head Start program in Portland, Maine. This full-time role collaborates with Lead and Assistant teachers to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children from birth to age 5, in alignment with Head Start standards and state licensing.

You will support social, emotional, and cognitive development, participate in family engagement, and contribute to a team focused on equity and quality early

Qualifications

• High school diploma and CDA credential required.
• Must be enrolled in a CDA program completed within two years.
• Associate or BA/BS degree or enrollment in a degree program.
• An associate or bachelor degree in early childhood education or related coursework.
• Additional related degree or coursework preferred for better qualifications.
• 1-2 years of relevant teaching or early childhood experience preferred.
• Awareness of culture's role in child and family development.
• Ability to work with complex information and teams.
• Commitment to social justice and Head Start mission.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher to create a safe, nurturing classroom.
• Support development in alignment with Head Start standards and Maine licensing rules.
• Assist with family engagement and overall growth of children and families.

Skills

Teamwork

Cultural competence

Problem solving

Social justice

Teaching experience

Education

High School Diploma and CDA credential

High School Diploma and be enrolled in a CDA program within two years

Associate or B.A./B.S. degree or enrollment in program leading to such degree

Associate or B.A./B.S. in early childhood education

Associate degree in related field or coursework equivalent to early childhood education major

Baccalaureate or advanced degree with relevant coursework (preferred)

1-2 years of center-based teaching or related preschool work (preferred)

Job description

Infant/Toddler Teacher Aide

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 Teacher Aide is responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher 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.

SCHEDULE

Full time, 40 hour/week; M – F.

LOCATION

Onsite, classroom in Portland, ME.

PAY RATE

Pay is competitive and will be based on experience and education.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma and CDA credential
• High School Diploma and be enrolled in a CDA program that will be completed within two years
• have an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree, required
• An associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education
• an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education
• 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

• 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

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

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.

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