Professional Play Expert Tiny Human Champion Keeper of the Crayons
Do you know all the words to at least three children’s songs you never intended to learn? Can you read the same book 47 times and still act surprised at the ending? Are you capable of having a serious conversation about why someone absolutely cannot lick their friend?
You may be exactly who we’re looking for.
We’re looking for a Classroom Teacher to join our early childhood program; a teacher who genuinely enjoys young children, values play, brings creativity into the classroom, and understands that some of the most important learning happens while building a block tower, digging in the dirt, or trying to figure out whose mitten is whose.
What You'll Actually Do
As a Classroom Teacher, you'll create a classroom where children feel safe, known, valued, and excited to learn.
You'll:
- Build genuine, caring relationships with children and their families.
- Create engaging, play-based learning experiences based on children's interests, development, and curiosity.
- Help children develop independence, confidence, friendships, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
- Observe children, celebrate their growth, and thoughtfully plan what comes next.
- Support children through BIG emotions with patience, consistency, and compassion.
- Maintain a classroom that is safe, welcoming, organized, and full of opportunities to explore.
- Work collaboratively with a team that believes good ideas can come from anyone.
- Communicate with families about their child's day, development, discoveries, and occasional highly questionable decisions.
- Follow program policies, licensing requirements, health and safety practices, and professional standards.
The Kind of Teacher We're Looking For
We aren't searching for someone who believes a great preschool classroom means children sit quietly at tables all day.
We want someone who understands that play is serious learning.
You might be a great fit if you:
- Truly enjoy spending your days with young children.
- Believe relationships come before worksheets.
- Can be silly with children while still providing clear boundaries and consistency.
- Notice the learning happening when children are building, pretending, creating, negotiating, experimenting, moving, and asking "WHY?" for the 900th time.
- Bring your own ideas and creativity to the classroom.
- Can change plans when children, the weather, or life have other ideas.
- Communicate openly and respectfully with coworkers and families.
- Are dependable and understand that your teammates are counting on you.
- Can receive feedback without spontaneously combusting.
- Jump in when another teacher needs help because "that's not my classroom" isn't our style.
- Want to keep learning and growing as an early childhood professional.
What You'll Find Here
A supportive team.
Early childhood education is too hard to do alone. We help each other, laugh together, share ideas, solve problems, and step in when someone needs a hand.
Freedom to be creative.
We want teachers who think, experiment, observe, and bring ideas to life. If the children suddenly become fascinated by worms, congratulations, you may be about to launch a worm investigation.
Relationships that matter.
Children have a remarkable way of making you feel like a celebrity simply because you walked into the room. You'll have the opportunity to become an important, trusted adult during some incredibly formative years.
A workplace with personality.
We take our responsibility to children seriously.
Ourselves? Slightly less seriously.
We believe professionalism and laughter can coexist. In fact, in early childhood education, we're fairly certain they have to.
The Serious Stuff
Because apparently "excellent fort-building skills" cannot be the only qualification.
Our Classroom Teachers must meet all applicable program and state licensing requirements for the position. Candidates should have appropriate education and/or experience in early childhood education or a related field, along with the ability to meet required background check, health, safety, and training requirements.
- Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Minimum 6 months experience in a licensed childcare or early education setting.
- Must receive a Letter of Eligibility from Maine DHHS (comprehensive background check).
- Must have or be working toward one of the following:
- Step 5 or higher on the MRTQ Career Lattice, or
- CDA, Maine State Credential, AA/AS, in Early Childhood Education, Social Services, or related field.
- Maine Roads to Quality registration required.
We're looking for someone who is dependable, professional, collaborative, and committed to providing high-quality care and education for young children.
Physical Requirements
Preschool teaching is not a desk job.
Teachers should be able to actively participate in the classroom and outdoor environment, including sitting on the floor, standing, walking, bending, lifting, moving classroom materials, assisting children, and occasionally getting up from a preschool-sized chair while pretending it wasn't difficult.
Your Days Might Include...
Being handed a rock that is apparently extremely important.
Comforting someone whose banana broke in half.
Watching two children solve a problem without adult help.
Answering questions about dinosaurs, babies, gravity, poop, the moon, and why teachers don't live at school.
And going home knowing that the work you did mattered.
Sound Like You?
If you're looking for a classroom where you can build meaningful relationships, teach creatively, laugh often, work with a supportive team, and make a genuine difference in children's lives, we'd love to meet you.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is your current MRTQ Career Lattice Step?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Early Childhood Education: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- First Aid & CPR Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
