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

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

Qualification

High School or equivalent