Teacher Assistant - Head Start

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.

• 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
• Think, concentrate, and positively interact with others
• Come to work promptly every day
• Work under stress and meet 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.

• Eleven (11) month; full‑time position

$19.15 - $20.47 - Salary commensurate with qualifications and 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

• 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
• 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

• 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)
• Health Saving Account
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development