Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher

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. Schedule : Full-time, 40 hours per week, year-round Location : Portland, ME Qualifications : 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. Benefits : 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, Who we are … The Opportunity Alliance is “Helping People Reach for a Brighter Future”. Mission: The Opportunity Alliance works with people to build better lives and stronger communities. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify the goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities. The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a dynamic, results-focused Community Action Agency providing approximately 50 integrated community-based and clinical programs serving more than 20,000 people annually throughout the state of Maine. With over 50 years of experience, TOA draws from a comprehensive set of programs which address issues such as mental health, substance use, homelessness, lack of basic needs, and access to community supports. Through an extensive array of services, TOA provides opportunities for individuals to stabilize fragile situations and then works with them to achieve self-sufficiency. TOA is client-focused with extensive experience working with diverse client populations. TOA programming includes four key sectors of service: Mental Health & Wellness Community Building Family & Early Childhood Education Economic Resources ____________________________________________________________ If you are viewing this posting on a third-party site, please visit our website at to apply . Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your application. Thank you!