The Opportunity Alliance·Portland, Maine
The Lead Teacher is responsible for overseeing a safe and stimulating learning environment for infants and toddlers in a center-based classroom. They must ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, State of Maine licensing, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
The Opportunity Alliance is seeking an Early Head Start Lead Teacher in our Infant/Toddler classroom.
This position will 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 Lead Teacher-Infant/Toddler is responsible for providing and overseeing 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.
An Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development, required. An associate, baccalaureate or advanced 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 preferred. 1-3 years of supervisory experience preferred. 2-4 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to infants/toddlers & their families preferred. 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. If MHRT is required for position you must pass CNA registry check. ECE employee must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen. ECE 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. Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings but is not a primarily and essential job responsibility.
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”.
Candidates must have an Infant/Toddler CDA credential and training in early childhood development. A degree in early childhood education and experience in center-based teaching or early intervention are preferred.
Market context
In Maine, classroom teacher roles are often competitive because districts look for candidates with advanced preparation and evidence of effective teaching, and this posting notes a preferred master’s degree plus successful undergraduate teaching experience. Demand can vary by subject and district, so applicants with strong classroom records and adaptable instructional skills may stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then align your application materials to the exact teaching experience requested.