Substitute - Portland

The Opportunity Alliance • Portland, ME

1d

About The Position

The Substitute Teacher provides staff coverage as needed to help classroom staff maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment, primarily in a center-based classroom. The role supports the overall growth and development of children and 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. Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5 and promote school readiness for young children from low-income families.

These are on-call positions covering staff absences. Working hours are Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with the ability to have a flexible schedule. Assignments may be at various classroom locations in the greater Portland area.

Requirements

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent, be attending high school, be enrolled in a GED preparation program, or be enrolled in a CDA credential program; the applicable requirement must be completed within 2 years of hire.
• Know the important role culture plays in child and family development.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with complex information to address challenging situations.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with teams.
• Be committed to social justice and the mission of Head Start.
• For contracts that have Rider D, successfully pass criminal background, child protective service, and sex offender checks.
• Not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
• Pass a pre-employment physical and TB screen.
• Be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations.
• Be able to exert significant physical effort, including frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, and typing, and frequently lift and carry small children or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• A CDA or equivalent, an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent, or a Baccalaureate degree in any area.
• One year of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting, or community-based work related to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff coverage when and where needed to cover absences.
• Assist classroom staff in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment.
• Support the overall growth and development of children and families in accordance with program plans, Head Start Performance Standards, State of Maine licensing rules, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off accrual.
• 9 paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year.
• Medical benefits at reasonable cost.
• Dental and vision insurance options.
• Agency-paid basic life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an agency match; all employees are eligible.
• Tuition reimbursement, offered once per year through an application process.
• Qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

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