Teacher - Head Start (Greensboro)

About the Role

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non‑profit organization that provides services to rural, low‑income households and communities in Caroline, Cecil, and Kent Counties. MRDC serves as the official Community Action Agency for these counties. The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual education plans for preschool children, fostering social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development appropriate to each child’s stage. The teacher works collaboratively with the Site Supervisor and the MRDC team.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children per guidance from the Education Coordinator, the ECE Specialist, and other leaders, individualizing instruction as necessary.
• Perform duties with an understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards.
• 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 least restrictive environment possible.
• Guide and facilitate daily activities, field trips, and the selection and arrangement of classroom equipment and materials.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain smooth center operations, adapting as needed to meet children’s needs.
• Maintain a comprehensive, ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• 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.
• Ensure files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.
• Demonstrate punctuality, concentration, and positive interaction with others, working under stress and meeting deadlines.
• Perform related work as required or assigned by the Site Supervisor, Director, or Deputy Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Must pass a criminal background check in Maryland and surrounding states.
• At least one year of early childhood classroom teaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with children preferred.

Skills and 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 Demands and 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 in a typical school environment.
• May require lifting 25 lb – 50 lb.

Terms of Employment

• Eleven (11) month position, subject to change to meet the demands of the center and MRDC organization.
• Salary based on education and experience: $26.54 – $30.38 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