Child Care Buddy

The Opportunity Alliance is looking to fill a Child Care Buddy position to support our various classrooms in Portland, ME.

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.

A Child Care Buddy supports a lead teacher, parent, or family.  Their main job is to keep kids safe, help with daily routines, and provide one-on-one attention and fun. This role focuses on being a playmate and emotional support figure for the children

• 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 (any one of these must be completed within 2 years of hire) required.
• Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
• 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 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 or accessing other means of transportation may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings.

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 address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a dynamic, results-focused Community Action Agency providing approximately 50 integrated community-based and clinical programs serving more than 20,000 people annually throughout the state of Maine. With over 50 years of experience, TOA draws from a comprehensive set of programs which address issues such as mental health, substance use, homelessness, lack of basic needs, and access to community supports. Through an extensive array of services, TOA provides opportunities for individuals to stabilize fragile situations and then works with them to achieve self-sufficiency. TOA is client-focused with extensive experience working with diverse client populations. TOA programming includes four key sectors of service:

• Mental Health & Wellness
• Community Building
• Family & Early Childhood Education
• Economic Resources

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