The Opportunity Alliance·Portland, Maine
The Center Floater provides staff coverage across classrooms to maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children. They assist classroom staff in implementing program plans in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.
Part-time, Monday through Friday, year-round.
Location: Portland
· A high school diploma or equivalent or be attending high school or be enrolled in a GED preparation program, or be enrolled in a CDA credential program (all must be completed within 2 years of hire). · A CDA or equivalent, or an Associate’s degree in ECE or equivalent, or Baccalaureate in any area preferred. · 1 year of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to infants/toddlers, preschoolers, & 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. · Contracts that have Rider D: Must be able to 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. · 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 a high school diploma or equivalent, with a CDA or Associate's degree in ECE preferred. Applicants must be able to pass background checks, physical exams, and meet immunization requirements.
Market context
Center floater roles in Maine are often needed to cover classrooms, support ratios, and help centers stay open when staff are absent. These jobs can be competitive because employers usually want reliable scheduling, strong classroom flexibility, and credentials such as a CDA or associate degree in early childhood education, even when a high school diploma is the minimum. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your background check, physical, and immunization readiness before applying.