Teacher Assistant - Head Start (Edgewood)

Maryland Rural Development Corporation; Edgewood (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

Retirement Plan (401k)

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Short Term Disability

Training & Development

Job summary

Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) seeks a Head Start Teacher Assistant to support a preschool classroom and help create a safe, engaging learning environment. You will assist with lesson plans, supervise activities, and promote school readiness while fostering family involvement and MRDC priorities.

The role is an eleven-month, full-time position with competitive pay and benefits; requires high school diploma or GED and preference for early childhood credentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• CDA credential or higher education in early childhood is preferred.
• Experience with preschool-aged children is preferred.
• Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting.
• Must pass Maryland licensing requirements including medical evaluation and TB screening.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Start Teacher in planning and implementing lesson plans.
• Engage children in developmentally appropriate activities and play-based learning.
• Observe and assess children's development and contribute to learning plans.
• Support family engagement and communication about progress.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom; follow health and safety policies.
• Prepare materials for parent meetings and collaborate with staff.
• Attend required trainings and maintain confidential files.

Skills

Passion for children

Cultural competency

Written and oral communication

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Driving to MRDC locations

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential / Associate degree / ECE coursework

Job description

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

Head Start Teacher Assistant

The Head Start Teacher Assistant supports the Head Start Teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children. This role involves assisting with classroom instruction, behavior management, and daily activities to promote school readiness and social-emotional development. The Teacher Assistant also helps maintain a clean and organized classroom and supports strong family engagement. The Head Start Teacher Assistant will assure that MRDC philosophies and priorities are met.

Job 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.

Terms of Employment:

• Eleven (11) month; full-time position

Compensation:

$19.15 - $20.47 - Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required. CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, Associate’s degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred

• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in an early childhood education setting

Required Skills/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 sate

• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above

• Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting

• Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening

Physical Demands:

• Classroom setting with young children (ages 3-5)

• Occasional home visits or community engagement activities
• Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching and is performed in a typical school environment

• May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs

• 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