The Opportunity Alliance·Portland, Maine
Collaborate with lead teachers to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for children from birth to age 5. Manage a primary caseload of children and families in accordance with Head Start and state licensing standards.
Assistant Teacher Head Start program The Opportunity Alliance is looking to fill a variety of Assistant Teacher positions to support our various classrooms in Portland, ME.
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 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.
Our benefits include but are not limited to: (offered to full-time and part-time employees) 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. To learn more about our benefits please visit, https://www.opportunityalliance.org/explore-our-benefits Who we are… The Opportunity Alliance is “Helping People Reach for a Brighter Future”.
Requires a High School Diploma and a CDA credential, or an associate/bachelor degree. Pre-K positions specifically require Ed Tech II certification, and candidates must pass comprehensive background and health screenings.
Market context
In Maine, teaching assistant openings often reflect steady demand in early childhood and classroom support settings, especially when employers need experience with young children and group care. These roles can be competitive because the listed requirements are specific: a high school diploma or GED, relevant child-care experience, and, for primary caregiving in Early Head Start, a CDA credential or equivalent coursework. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your experience matches the age group and credential expectations before applying.