The Opportunity Alliance·Portland, Maine
Collaborate with the teaching team to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for children aged 3-5. Responsibilities include facilitating learning activities, managing behavior, and maintaining trusting relationships with children and families.
Teacher Aide Head Start Head Start Classrooms are hiring!
The Opportunity Alliance is seeking a Teacher Aide in Portland.
Join the Head Start team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through high quality, culturally appropriate early care and education experiences.
Classrooms implement a responsive curriculum with a strong focus on social-emotional well-being with a low teacher to child ratio to support growth and learning in all domains.
Head Start centers families in their children’s education and care through meaningful engagement.
All staff are supported to identify and work towards their professional goals through a combination of ongoing supervision, coaching and training.
The Teacher Aide works collaboratively with the teaching team to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children ages 3 - 5 years.
Classroom responsibilities include developing and maintaining respectful and trusting relationships with children, facilitating children’s involvement in learning activities, supporting children during important transitions and routines, and learning about and practicing effective behavior management techniques.
Full-time options; 30 - 40 hours per week This is a year-round position.
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 or equivalent (or enrollment in a GED/CDA program) and the ability to pass comprehensive background and health screenings. One year of experience in center-based teaching or early childhood education is preferred.
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.