• Teacher Assistant - Head Start

    Maryland Rural Development Corporation (Edgewood, MD)


    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