Lead Teacher – Head Start, Preschool (GA)
The Opportunity Alliance
Summary
The Opportunity Alliance is seeking a Head Start Lead Teacher to join the Head Start team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
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.
The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environments in center-based settings and supervision of Assistant teachers and any additional classroom staff. The Lead Teacher implements child development programming to support the overall growth and development of children and 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, Monday – Friday. This is a school-year schedule, not year-round (approx. 36 weeks/year).
Location: Portland, ME
Qualifications
- An Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or an Associate degree in a related field with 12 infant/toddler credits or; an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential (Maine ITC) and an Associate degree in a related field required.
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or social work 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 and 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.
- 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 primary and essential job responsibility.
Requirements
- An Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or an Associate degree in a related field with 12 infant/toddler credits or; an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential (Maine ITC) and an Associate degree in a related field required.
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or social work 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 and 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.
- 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 primary and essential job responsibility.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Floating 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.