Head Start Teacher Assistant

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.

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