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
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Encourage and model positive social-emotional behaviors and problem-solving skills
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Supervise children to ensure a safe and nurturing environment
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Assist with classroom organization, including setting up materials and maintaining a clean learning space
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Support children during daily routines such as meals, naptime, and transitions.
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Follow Head Start health and safety policies, including proper hygiene and sanitation procedures
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Develop positive relationships with families and communicate regularly about children's progress.
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Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and Head Start events.
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Assist in preparing materials for parent meetings and conferences
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Work collaboratively with the teacher, other staff members, and program administrators.
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Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as required by the Head Start program
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Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
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Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
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Comes to work promptly every day
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Works under stress and meets all deadlines
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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:
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Eleven (11) month; full-time position
Compensation:
$19.15 - $20.47 - Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Requirements
Experience:
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High school diploma or GED required. CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, Associate’s degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred
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Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in an early childhood education setting
Required Skills/Qualifications
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Passion for working with young children and supporting their growth
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Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families
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Ability to follow instructions and adapt to classroom needs
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Ability to work independently and within a team environment
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Effective written and oral communication experience
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Relationship building experience
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Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
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Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
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Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
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Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening
Physical Demands:
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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
