The Opportunity Alliance·South Portland, Maine
The Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aide to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children. They are responsible for supporting the mental, social, and emotional development of children while managing a primary caseload of families.
Assistant Teacher, Preschool Head Start Program in partnership with the Sora Small school 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.
SCHEDULE: Full time, 40 hour/week; M – F, early daytime hours.
LOCATION: Onsite, classroom in South Portland, ME.
Dora Small Elementary School PAY RATE: Pay is competitive and will be based on experience and education.
High School Diploma and CDA credential; or, High School Diploma and be enrolled in a CDA program that will be completed within two years; or, have an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree, required. An associate or baccalaureate 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. 1-2 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to preschool age children & 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 successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check. Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list. Must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen. 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 and a CDA credential, or be enrolled in a CDA program, or hold an associate/baccalaureate degree. Applicants must also pass criminal background, child protective service, and sex offender checks, and meet physical health requirements.
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.
Teacher Aide - Preschool
Center Floater
Family Visitor - Maine Families