Teacher - Head Start (Edgewood)

About the role

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization serving Caroline, Cecil, and Kent Counties through its Head Start program. The Head Start Teacher plays a crucial role in developing and implementing individual education plans for children, fostering a positive learning environment, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized classroom.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children per guidance from the Education Coordinator, the ECE Specialist, and other leaders, individualizing instruction as necessary
• Refer children suspected of having special needs or challenging behavior to appropriate staff
• Develop and implement behavior plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) designed with the team, families, schools, and mental health professionals, focusing on creating the least restrictive environment possible
• Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
• Collaborate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, making necessary adjustments to meet the needs of the children
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment, completed as per designated procedure
• Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages creativity, curiosity, and exploration
• Supervise children at all times and implement positive behavior management strategies
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and staff meetings to enhance professional skills
• Affirm that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
• Think, concentrate, and positively interact with others
• Work promptly every day, under stress, and meet all deadlines

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
• At least one year of early childhood classroom teaching experience preferred
• Experience working with children preferred

Skills/Qualifications

• Knowledge of early childhood development principles
• Strong classroom management skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
• Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families

Physical Demand/Working Environment

• Classroom setting with young children (ages 3-5)
• Occasional home visits or community engagement activities
• Significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching
• Performed in a typical school environment
• May at times require lifting 25lbs - 50lbs

Terms of Employment

• Eleven (11) month position; subject to change to meet the demands of the center and the MRDC organization

Pay

• Salary is based on Education and Experience: $26.54 - $29.68 per hour

Schedule

• Not specified