Classroom Assistants

Midcoast Maine Community Action is a non-profit human services agency, located in the southern mid coast area of Maine. For 50 years, MMCA has worked to benefit and support individuals and families in the communities we serve through an array of programs and services that include early childhood education (Head Start/Early Head Start); WIC nutrition counseling; emergency housing, rental, and utility assistance; parenting education; and health insurance marketplace navigation. Partnering with other local and regional organizations, we are helping people connect with resources that promote health, quality of life, education and economic independence. As one of 1100 community action agencies across the US, we are changing people lives and making our communities better places to live!

If you enjoy helping young children learn and grow, come and be a part of our team! Midcoast Maine Community Action Head Start and Early Head Start programs are seeking Teacher Assistants in our location in Bath, Brunswick and Newcastle. These positions are 35 - 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday.

Assistant teachers work with the classroom teachers to ensure a safe, nurturing environment that maximizes participation, the ability to learn, and health and safety of all children in Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms. This includes providing support to children and using appropriate behaviors when interacting with the children and their families. These positions are also responsible for helping with the daily health and safety routines of the classroom and supporting the integration of special needs activities with other classroom activities.

Applicant must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have experience working with young children. Vocational training in early childhood education is desired. Head Start staff work with children ages 3 to 5 years old, which includes preparing preschoolers for kindergarten. Early Head Start staff work with children ages 6 months to 3 years old.

• Must have an interest in working with children from low- income families.
• Must be able to lift a child if necessary (approximately 40 pounds) and be capable of physically bending to a child’s level.

Other Requirements:

• Prior to starting employment, must be able to pass fingerprinted criminal background, child protective services, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle record checks, as required by state and federal childcare licensing regulations, that indicate no previous record of involvement with child abuse or exploitation and no disqualifying criminal or motor vehicle record that would preclude working with children.
• Persons offered employment must also provide a physician’s health statement, immunization records, and TB screening.

Pay is dependent upon experience and other qualifications. This position is qualified for a $2500 sign on bonus paid in 3 installments.

MMCA offers a comprehensive benefits package as well as financial support for professional development; paid time off; 13 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays; and a 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution after one year.

Please forward a cover letter, resume with complete work history, and contact information for three professional references to Mid coast Maine Community Action.

Midcoast Maine Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation or preference, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

Please request any accommodations necessary to participate in the applicant process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Grade levels:

• Pre-Kindergarten

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• early childhood care and education: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person