Center Floater
Head Start / Early Head Start

** Portland area **

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 Center Floater is responsible for providing staff coverage, where and when needed, in order to assist classroom staff in maintaining 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: Part-time, Monday through Friday, year-round.

Location: Portland

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 (all must be completed within 2 years of hire).

·       A CDA or equivalent, or an Associate’s degree in ECE or equivalent, or Baccalaureate in any area preferred. 

·       1 year of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to infants/toddlers, preschoolers, & 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 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.

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, https://www.opportunityalliance.org/explore-our-benefits

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