Teacher Assistant - Head Start (Edgewood)

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 guidelinesEngage with children in developmentally appropriate activities, including play-based learning, reading, and hands-on experiencesHelp observe and assess children's development and provide input for individualized learning plansEncourage and model positive social-emotional behaviors and problem-solving skillsSupervise children to ensure a safe and nurturing environmentAssist with classroom organization, including setting up materials and maintaining a clean learning spaceSupport children during daily routines such as meals, naptime, and transitions.Follow Head Start health and safety policies, including proper hygiene and sanitation proceduresDevelop 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 conferencesWork collaboratively with the teacher, other staff members, and program administrators.Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as required by the Head Start programAssure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintainedThinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with othersComes to work promptly every dayWorks under stress and meets all deadlinesOTHER 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 preferredPrevious 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 growthCultural competency and the ability to work with diverse familiesAbility to follow instructions and adapt to classroom needsAbility to work independently and within a team environmentEffective written and oral communication experienceRelationship building experienceValid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sateDemonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined aboveMust pass criminal background check and fingerprintingMust 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 activitiesPosition requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching and is performed in a typical school environmentMay at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs Benefits 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 DisabilityTraining & Development