Teacher Assistant - Head Start

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

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

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term Disability
• Training & Development