Teacher - Head Start (Edgewood)

About the role

The Head Start Teacher at the Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) serves as a key member of the educational team, focusing on the holistic development of preschool children in Caroline, Cecil, and Kent Counties.

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
• Implement behavior plans and IEPs designed with the team, families, schools, and mental health professionals, emphasizing the creation of 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
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which may require changes 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
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
• Supervise children at all times and implement positive behavior management strategies
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and staff meetings to enhance professional skills
• Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
• Think, concentrate, and positively interact with others
• Work promptly every day
• Meet all deadlines

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or related field
• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
• Must pass criminal background check in MD and surrounding states
• 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

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 Disability
• Training & Development