Early Childhood Teaching Assistant I (Early Learning Classrooms)

About the Role

The Early Childhood Teaching Assistant I supports the supervising teacher in implementing instructional and assessment activities. This role uses effective academic and behavioral strategies to promote student engagement and success while helping maintain a positive, safe, and structured classroom environment. The position supports classroom operations by assisting with instruction, supervision, classroom management, and behavioral protocol implementation.

The Early Learning Classrooms at Kennedy Krieger provide a comprehensive and family-centered education to children aged 3 to 5 in an inclusive environment where both typically developing children and children who are neurodiverse can learn together. Our classrooms are located in the Windsor Mill area of western Baltimore County.

Responsibilities

• Assist PreK Lead Teachers in implementation of instruction and assessment activities using effective academic, social-emotional, and behavioral strategies to support student success.
• Support classroom operations and instructional delivery by completing duties as assigned by the lead teacher and program leadership.
• Provide instruction, supervision, classroom management support, and coverage under the direction of the supervising teacher, ensuring a positive, safe, and structured learning environment.
• Implement behavioral protocols and classroom assignments during both instructional and non-instructional times.
• Utilize instructional and non-instructional time effectively and professionally, while adhering to established program and administrative guidelines.
• Participate in and contribute to staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development activities.
• Support and help facilitate curricular and extracurricular activities that promote student engagement and a positive school culture.
• Assist in integrating technology into instruction and classroom activities, in accordance with the supervising teacher’s directions and program requirements.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to transport (i.e., escort, carry, or lift) up to 25 lbs. and implement appropriate behavioral management techniques and protocols.
• Must be able to move about and work with children, including the ability to assume a variety of physical postures sufficient to interact with and manage student behavior.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must possess and maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) 90-Hour Preschool Training Certification (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or School-Age) within 30 days of hire. This certification consists of 45 hours in Child Growth and Development and 45 hours in Curriculum, Methods, and Materials.
• OR must possess and maintain Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials with preschool designation by 7/1/2027. (At least 15 years in an early childhood education environment—at least 20 hours per week, 180 days per year—can be substituted for CDA credentials with preschool designation.)

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, required.
• Previous experience working in a classroom of students with disabilities is required.

Pay

Minimum pay range: USD $17.77/Hr. Maximum pay range: USD $28.99/Hr.