Child Care Buddy
The Opportunity Alliance
Summary
The Opportunity Alliance is looking to fill a Child Care Buddy position to support our various classrooms in Portland, ME.
Job description
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.
A Child Care Buddy supports a lead teacher, parent, or family. Their main job is to keep kids safe, help with daily routines, and provide one-on-one attention and fun. This role focuses on being a playmate and emotional support figure for the children.
Schedule
Part-time, Monday – Friday. Core hours 3-5:30 pm.
Location
Portland, ME
Qualifications
- 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 (any one of these must be completed within 2 years of hire) required.
- Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
- 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 or accessing other means of transportation may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings.
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 (any one of these must be completed within 2 years of hire) required.
- Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
- 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.
- 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 or accessing other means of transportation may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Medical benefits
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Company overview
The Opportunity Alliance is a comprehensive community action agency and nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health care and social services to individuals and families in need. Operating primarily in Maine, the organization focuses on addressing the root causes of poverty and promoting community well-being through integrated service delivery. Their mental health care services encompass counseling, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, and support for individuals with mental health challenges. The organization takes a holistic approach to care, combining mental health services with housing assistance, employment support, educational programs, and family strengthening initiatives. As a community-based nonprofit, The Opportunity Alliance works collaboratively with local partners, government agencies, and healthcare providers to create a continuum of care that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions for vulnerable populations. Their mission centers on building stronger communities by empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency through comprehensive support systems.