Teacher Assistant - Head Start, Bethesda

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

Requirements

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

Benefits

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