Head Start Classroom Teachers’ Aides, Center Aides and Floaters

EMPLOYER: The Opportunity Alliance

Website

Description:

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking Center Aides, Center Floaters, and Teachers Aides to join the teams in our Head Start classrooms around the Greater Portland area. Find out more about these programs here: https://www.opportunityalliance.org/programs-landing

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.

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your community while working with children and building a career in early childhood education!

The Center Aides/Teacher’s Aides will collaborate with the Lead Teacher(s) to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment, primarily in a center-based classroom. The Center Aide is also responsible for the preparation & service of nutritious meals for children in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms as well as the operations of the Center’s kitchen. The Center Floater is responsible for providing staff coverage, where and when needed, to assist classroom staff. The Teacher Aide is responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher. All roles work with classroom staff 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.

Positions range from 18 hours per week to 40 hours per week with seasonal and full year options. There are locations in Portland, South Portland, Gorham, and Westbrook Maine.

Requirements:

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). After completion of high school diploma/GED program, must enroll in a CDA program that will be completed within two years or equivalent coursework focused on child development.

Qualifications:

1 year 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. 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. 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.