Lead Preschool Teacher

Lead Teacher

Midcoast Maine Community Action is looking for a caring and dependable Lead Teacher to join our Pre-K collaborative classroom at Wiscasset Elementary School. In this welcoming classroom community, the Lead Teacher plans developmentally appropriate preschool programming, supports and guides classroom staff, partners with families, and helps children build the skills they need for school readiness, in alignment with Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Key Responsibilities

o Plan and implement daily classroom activities that support curriculum goals, Head Start standards, licensing requirements, and each child’s individual needs.

o Lead and support classroom staff, substitutes, and volunteers in daily routines and learning activities.

o Create a safe, inclusive, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment for preschool-aged children.

o Use observations, assessments, and documentation to support individualized learning and track child development.

o Build positive relationships with families through communication, conferences, home visits, and family engagement opportunities.

o Support children with disabilities or special needs by integrating individualized goals into classroom activities.

o Maintain accurate records, complete required reports, and follow confidentiality, agency, licensing, and mandated reporting requirements.

QualificationsEducation, Training, and Experience

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with early childhood coursework required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Current or eligible Maine Ed Tech certification/authorization preferred.
• At least one year of experience with young children in preschool, early education, Early Head Start, Head Start, or group care preferred.
• Experience with individualized learning plans, child observations, assessments, and supporting diverse developmental needs preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with children, families, staff, and community partners.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete required background checks, including fingerprinting, child protective services, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle record checks.
• Must provide required health documentation, immunization records, and current TB and TDAP documentation, as applicable.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required; must be insurable under agency policy if transporting clients.
• Must provide copies of transcripts, diploma, certificates, licenses, and Ed Tech documentation, if applicable.
• Must follow Head Start standards, licensing rules, agency policies, and mandated reporting requirements.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position is based in a preschool classroom and includes frequent interaction with children ages 3 to 5, families, and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, sit on the floor, and move throughout the classroom.
• Ability to monitor children, respond quickly, and support safe classroom routines.
• Ability to lift a child approximately 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Rate of pay will be based on experience and other qualifications.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. MMCA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and disability insurance; 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.

To apply, please forward a cover letter, resume with complete work history, and contact information for three professional references to Midcoast Maine Community Action at mmcacareers@mmcacorp.org.

We welcome applicants who are passionate about supporting young children and families. 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 accommodation necessary to participate in the application process.

Pay: $19.45 - $21.88 per hour

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22