Preschool Head Start Assistant: Nurture Young Learners

Maryland Rural Development Corporation; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

Retirement Plan (401k/IRA)

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public

Short Term Disability

Training & Development

Job summary

Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private nonprofit serving rural, low-income households across Caroline, Cecil, Harford, and Kent Counties. The Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the Head Start Teacher in creating a safe, engaging learning environment for preschoolers and helps with instruction, behavior management, and family engagement.

Compensation ranges from $19.15 to $20.47 per hour for an eleven-month, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with young children and supporting their growth.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families.
• Ability to follow instructions and adapt to classroom needs.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Effective written and oral communication experience.
• Relationship building experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the state.
• Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting.
• Must pass Maryland licensing requirements including medical evaluation and TB screening.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and implementing lesson plans that align with Head Start guidelines.
• Engage with children in developmentally appropriate activities, including play-based learning, reading, and hands-on experiences.
• Help observe and assess children's development and provide input for individualized learning plans.
• Encourage and model positive social-emotional behaviors and problem-solving skills.
• Supervise children to ensure a safe and nurturing environment.
• Assist with classroom organization, including setting up materials and maintaining a clean learning space.
• Support children during daily routines such as meals, naptime, and transitions.
• Follow Head Start health and safety policies, including proper hygiene and sanitation procedures.
• Develop 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 conferences.
• Work collaboratively with the teacher, other staff members, and program administrators.
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings as required by the Head Start program.
• Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.
• Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others.
• Comes to work promptly every day.
• Works under stress and meets all deadlines.
• OTHER 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.

Skills

Passion for children

Cultural competency

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Communication (written)

Communication (oral)

Relationship building

Driver's license

Drive to MRDC locations

Task completion under deadlines

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential / Early childhood coursework

Associate’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private nonprofit serving rural, low-income households across Caroline, Cecil, Harford, and Kent Counties. The Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the Head Start Teacher in creating a safe, engaging learning environment for preschoolers and helps with instruction, behavior management, and family engagement.

Compensation ranges from $19.15 to $20.47 per hour for an eleven-month, full-time position.