Lead Teacher

Midcoast Maine Community Action; Brunswick (ME); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

403(b)/Retirement plan

Job summary

Midcoast Maine Community Action in Brunswick is seeking a full-time Lead Preschool Teacher for our Head Start program. You’ll create joyful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences and guide a collaborative classroom team.

You’ll support children ages 3 to 5 with individualized learning, family partnerships, and accurate documentation while upholding licensing standards. This position emphasizes collaboration and growth within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• O81 Child Development Services certification or ability to obtain/certify within designated timeframe after hire.
• At least one year of experience with young children in group care or early education.

Responsibilities

• Create joyful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that meet Head Start standards.
• Lead classroom staff and volunteers through a team-teaching approach.
• Support individualized learning plans, child assessments, and IEP goals for school readiness.
• Build strong family partnerships through communication, conferences, home visits, and family engagement.
• Maintain safe, welcoming classroom and accurate documentation.

Skills

Early childhood education

Team collaboration

Child assessments

Family partnerships

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Lead Preschool Teacher — Help Young Learners ShineEvery child deserves a classroom where they feel safe, seen, and excited to learn. Midcoast Maine Community Action is seeking a full-time Lead Preschool Teacher for our Head Start program at Brunswick Region 10 Technical High School. You’ll create joyful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences; guide a collaborative classroom team; and build trusted partnerships with families. Most importantly, you’ll help children ages 3 to 5 grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively—and give them a strong, happy start to their learning journey.How You’ll Make a DifferenceCreate joyful learning experiences that meet Head Start standards, licensing requirements, and early childhood best practices.Lead with collaboration by guiding classroom staff and volunteers through a team-teaching approach.Help every child thrive through individualized learning, child assessments, IEP goals, and school readiness outcomes.Build strong family partnerships through thoughtful communication, conferences, home visits, and family engagement opportunities.Keep the classroom safe and welcoming while maintaining accurate, required documentation.What You’ll BringEducation and ExperienceAn associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with coursework in early childhood education, is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred.Must possess an O81 Child Development Services certification or be able to obtain and maintain the certification within a designated timeframe after hire.At least one year of experience working with young children in a group care or early education setting; Early Head Start or Head Start experience is preferred.Experience implementing individualized learning plans and conducting child assessments.Interest or experience working with preschool children and families with low incomes.Before You Join UsBefore starting employment, and periodically thereafter, you must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, child protective services, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle record checks required by state and federal childcare licensing regulations, with no disqualifying offenses that prohibit working with children.Employees must provide a physician’s health statement, immunization records, and current TB and Tdap test results.Physical DemandsMove comfortably throughout an active classroom, including bending, kneeling, crouching, sitting on the floor, standing, walking, and occasionally climbing or balancing.Use hands and arms for classroom materials and fine-motor care tasks, and respond quickly to children’s needs and safety situations.Regularly lift a child weighing approximately 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.Pay and BenefitsPay is based on experience and other qualifications. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position 40 hours per week. MMCA offers health, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and disability insurance; financial support for professional development; paid time off; 13 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an agency contribution after one year.Ready to Make a Lasting Difference?Please send a cover letter, a résumé with your complete work history, and contact information for three professional references to Midcoast Maine Community Action at [e-mail] Is WelcomeMidcoast Maine Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. Please request any accommodation you need to participate in the application process.