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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