Early Head Start Teacher - Anne Arundel County

The Y of Central Maryland; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Competitive pay

Generous paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

Dependent care FSA

Retirement fund contribution

Career advancement

Training and development programs

Job summary

The Y of Central Maryland is seeking an Early Head Start Teacher to create a safe, nurturing classroom for infants and toddlers, delivering developmentally appropriate activities and partnering with families to promote strong early learning foundations.

You will follow COMAR and Head Start standards, maintain accurate records, plan individualized lessons, monitor child progress, and collaborate with program leaders to support inclusive, high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Infant/Toddler CDA or equivalent coursework completed.
• At least 1 year of supervised early childhood experience; 2 years preferred.
• Experience with infants/toddlers strongly preferred.
• Criminal-background clearances required.
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Manage Early Head Start classroom per COMAR and Head Start standards.
• Provide supervision and maintain required adult-to-child ratios.
• Create nurturing relationships and developmentally appropriate care.
• Prepare individualized lesson plans supporting school-readiness goals.
• Observe and document child development and complete screenings on schedule.
• Maintain attendance, files, portfolios, and classroom records.
• Coordinate schedules, routines, and transitions; communicate with families.
• Collaborate with program leaders and specialists on needs and IFSPs.
• Lead classroom staff and model professional interactions with children and families.

Skills

Infant/Toddler care

Early childhood development

Family communication

Curriculum planning

Education

Infant/Toddler CDA

ECE coursework (6+ sem hrs)

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they've made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

How This Role Contributes to the Y's Mission:

As an Early Head Start Teacher, you will create a safe, nurturing classroom where infants and toddlers feel secure, build trusting relationships, and reach important developmental milestones. Through responsive caregiving, individualized learning experiences, and meaningful family partnerships, you will help give every child a strong foundation for future success.

This Work Is Right for You If You:

• Have experience caring for and teaching infants and toddlers.
• Understand early childhood development and responsive caregiving.
• Create warm, patient, and supportive relationships with young children.
• Can plan individualized activities based on each child's needs and progress.
• Communicate effectively with families and classroom team members.
• Are organized, dependable, and attentive to health and safety.
• Value cultural differences and welcome families as partners.
• Can lead a classroom team while remaining open to coaching and professional growth.

Essential Functions:

• Manage an Early Head Start classroom in accordance with COMAR regulations, Head Start standards, approved curriculum, and Y policies.
• Provide active supervision and maintain required adult-to-child ratios.
• Build secure, nurturing relationships with infants and toddlers through responsive and developmentally appropriate care.
• Prepare and implement individualized lesson plans that support school-readiness goals.
• Observe, assess, and document each child's development and complete required screenings within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate attendance, education files, portfolios, and other required classroom records.
• Establish consistent classroom schedules, routines, and transitions.
• Partner with families through daily communication, home visits, parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and home-learning activities.
• Coordinate classroom activities and share relevant information with associates, caregivers, and volunteers.
• Guide classroom staff and model positive, professional interactions with children and families.
• Maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and well-supplied classroom.
• Recognize and promptly report signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect, or developmental concerns in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with program leaders and specialists to support early intervention, IFSPs, transitions, and other individualized child needs.
• Participate in required meetings, training, and professional-development activities.

Qualifications:

• Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate credential; or six semester hours/90 clock hours of approved early childhood coursework and three semester hours/45 clock hours of approved infant/toddler coursework.
• At least one year of supervised early childhood experience required; two years preferred.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers strongly preferred.
• Basic computer and data-entry skills preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required criminal-background clearances.
• Ability to complete a pre-employment physical and tuberculosis screening as required.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.