Head Start Special Educator, per diem

The Opportunity Alliance; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating

Excellent medical benefits

Dental and Vision insurance

Life insurance and disability

403(b) retirement with agency match

Tuition Reimbursement

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking a Per Diem Early Childhood Special Educator for Head Start in Greater Portland, Maine. The role focuses on providing specially designed instruction to children with developmental delays, collaborating with teachers, and supporting IEP development across multiple classrooms.

Responsibilities include direct instruction, progress documentation, family collaboration, and ensuring inclusive practices in a dynamic preschool setting.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or related field; Maine State certification as an Ed Tech II or III is required.
• 1-2 years experience teaching preschool-age children with developmental delays or disabilities.
• Knowledge of current special education practices and strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of children.
• Commitment to social justice and Head Start mission.
• Must pass background checks and immunization requirements.

Responsibilities

• Providing direct instruction and support to children with special needs in individual and group settings.
• Monitoring and documenting progress, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
• Collaborating with the teaching team to create an inclusive classroom environment.
• Guiding classroom teachers in accommodations and modifications.
• Working with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop IEPs for children with special needs.
• Participating in parent conferences and meetings to discuss progress and resources.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Adapt instructional strategies

Cultural sensitivity

Classroom management

Education

Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education

Job description

Early Childhood Special Educator (Per Diem) Head Start

Early Childhood Special Educator (Per Diem ) Head Start Head Startpromotes 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. We are currently seeking a committed and passionate Per Diem Early Childhood Special Educator to join our dedicated preschool team. This position plays a crucial role in providing specialized support to children with developmental delays or disabilities, ensuring they receive the individualized attention needed for optimal growth and learning. The Special Educator will work in multiple classrooms throughout the program, spending a few hours a week working with each assigned child to provide specially designed instruction, create visual support, and provide guidance and support to classroom teachers.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing direct instruction and support to children with special needs in both individual and group settings.
• Monitoring and documenting progress, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
• Collaborating with the larger teaching team to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
• Offering guidance and support to classroom teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications.
• Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for children with special needs.
• Participating in parent conferences and meetings to discuss children's progress and provide resources for continued support at home.

Schedule and Compensation

This is a year-round per-diem position with a flexible schedule based on program needs. Hours are primarily in the morning and will increase through the program year (program year begins in September). Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Location

Greater Portland, Maine; onsite, various classrooms.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate or advanced 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, with experience teaching preschool-age children or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children Maine State certification as an Ed Tech II or III.
• 1-2 years experience working with young children with developmental delays or disabilities.
• Knowledge of current special education practices and strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of children.
• Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
• 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 and for driving between program sites to meet with children in different classrooms.A good driving record is required.

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…

"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.

Thank you!

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