Head Start Teacher

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, and Kent Counties' official Community Action Agency.

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual education plans for children, which help them to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. The teacher works collaboratively with the Site Supervisor and MRDC team.

Typical Duties:

• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool children per guidance from the Education Coordinator, the ECE Specialist, and other leaders, individualizing instruction as necessary
• Perform the functions 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, putting an emphasis on creating the least restrictive environment possible
• Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment, completed as per designated procedure
• 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
• 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 by the Site Supervisor, Director, or Deputy Director