Head Start Teacher

Preschool Teacher - Head Start Program

Midcoast Maine Community Action is seeking a full-time Lead Teacher for to plan and deliver developmentally appropriate preschool education programming in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards. The Lead Teacher creates a safe, healthy, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development while partnering with families and classroom staff.

Key Responsibilities

• • Plan and implement classroom activities that meet Head Start standards, licensing requirements, and early childhood best practices.
  • Lead classroom staff and volunteers using a team-teaching approach.
  • Support individualized learning, child assessments, IEP goals, and school readiness outcomes.
  • Build positive relationships with children and families through communication, conferences, home visits, and family engagement opportunities.
  • Maintain required documentation and ensure a safe, healthy, inclusive classroom environment.
  • Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and program activities.

  • Physical and Work Environment Requirements

    This role is performed primarily in a preschool classroom and requires the ability to actively engage with children throughout the day, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, standing, walking, lifting children and classroom materials, and responding quickly to children’s needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work is primarily performed in a preschool classroom with children ages 3 to 5.

Qualifications

Education, Training & Experience Requirements

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and coursework in early childhood education required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with young children in a group care or early education setting; experience working in an Early Head Start or Head Start program preferred.
• Experience implementing individualized learning plans and conducting child assessments.
• Interest or experience in working with preschool children and low-income families.
• Ability to function as a member of an integrated team or autonomously.
• Demonstrated ability to work with staff and parents in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.

Other Requirements:

• Prior to starting employment, and periodically thereafter, must be able to pass fingerprinted criminal background, child protective seNices, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle record checks, as required by state and federal childcare licensing regulations, indicating no disqualifying offenses that would prohibit working with children.
• Persons employed must provide a physician's health statement, immunization records, and current TB and TDAP test results.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel between agency locations or to client homes; must be insurable under agency's policy, if transporting clients.

• This position is full-time and benefits eligible. MMCA offers health and dental insurance; employer-paid life and disability insurance; professional development support; paid vacation and sick/personal time; 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 Midcoast Maine Community Action.
• Positions remain open until suitable candidates are found.

• 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 or gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.
• Please request any accommodations necessary to participate in the application process.