The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.
The Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the Head Start Teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children. This role involves assisting with classroom instruction, behavior management, and daily activities to promote school readiness and social-emotional development. The Teacher Assistant also helps maintain a clean and organized classroom and supports strong family engagement. The Head Start Teacher Assistant will assure that MRDC philosophies and priorities are met.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and implementing lesson plans that align with Head Start guidelines
- Engage with children in developmentally appropriate activities, including play-based learning, reading, and hands-on experiences
- Help observe and assess children's development and provide input for individualized learning plans
- Encourage and model positive social-emotional behaviors and problem-solving skills
- Supervise children to ensure a safe and nurturing environment
- Assist with classroom organization, including setting up materials and maintaining a clean learning space
- Support children during daily routines such as meals, naptime, and transitions.
- Follow Head Start health and safety policies, including proper hygiene and sanitation procedures
- Develop positive relationships with families and communicate regularly about children's progress.
- Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and Head Start events.
- Assist in preparing materials for parent meetings and conferences
- Work collaboratively with the teacher, other staff members, and program administrators.
- Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as required by the Head Start program
- Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
- Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
- Comes to work promptly every day
- Works under stress and meets all deadlines
- OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.
Terms of Employment:
- Eleven (11) month; full-time position
Compensation:
$19.15 - $20.47 - Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Requirements
Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required. CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, Associate’s degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred
- Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in an early childhood education setting
Required Skills/Qualifications
- Passion for working with young children and supporting their growth
- Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families
- Ability to follow instructions and adapt to classroom needs
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Effective written and oral communication experience
- Relationship building experience
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
- Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
- Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening
Physical Demands:
- Classroom setting with young children (ages 3-5)
- Occasional home visits or community engagement activities
- Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching and is performed in a typical school environment
- May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Health Saving Account
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development