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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 Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3 years). This role involves implementing the Early Head Start curriculum, fostering positive relationships with children and families, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing regulations.

Job Responsibilities:

+ Provide a warm, responsive, and stimulating environment that supports the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers.

+ Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities based on the Early Head Start curriculum and individual child needs.

+ Conduct ongoing assessments and observations to track child progress and adjust lesson plans accordingly.

+ Promote language development, early literacy, and problem-solving skills through play-based learning experiences.

+ Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom that meets health and safety regulations.

+ Follow all health and safety protocols, including diapering, handwashing, and sanitization procedures.

+ Support healthy eating habits by assisting with meal times and encouraging self-feeding.

+ Monitor children for signs of illness, developmental delays, or concerns and communicate with families and supervisors as needed.

+ Establish strong, respectful relationships with families and encourage parent involvement in their child’s learning.

+ Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss child progress and provide guidance on child development.

+ Collaborate with families to create individualized learning plans based on child strengths and goals.

+ Provide resources and referrals to families for additional support services when necessary.

+ Work closely with co-teachers, family advocates, and support staff to maintain a high-quality early childhood program.

+ Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to stay current on early childhood best practices.

+ Maintain accurate records of attendance, child progress, and daily reports as required by Early Head Start guidelines.

+ Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and program policies.

+ 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.

Physical Demands:

+ Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching

+ May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs

Terms of Employment:

+ Twelve (12) month; full-time position

Compensation:

$19.60 - $23.40 per hour; Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Requirements

+ Minimum: Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

+ Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.

+ At least 1 year of experience working with infants and toddlers in an early childhood setting.

+ Knowledge of child development principles, attachment theory, and responsive caregiving.

Required Skills/Qualifications

+ Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for infants and toddlers.

+ Ability to create a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment.

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

+ Basic computer skills for record-keeping and documentation.

+ CPR & First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).

+ Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.

+ 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

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 Disability

+ Training & Development