Assistant Teacher - Head Start

The Opportunity Alliance • Portland, ME

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• For Assistant Teacher positions in Pre-K classrooms, Ed Tech II certification is required.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 1-2 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to preschool age children & their families.
• Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings but is not a primarily and essential job responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment.
• Supporting the overall growth and development of children & families.
• Working in accordance with the Family and Early Childhood Education program plan, Head Start Performance Standards, State of Maine licensing rules, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Managing a primary caseload of children & their families.

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
• Tuition Reimbursement – offered once per year through an application process
• Qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED