This position will begin in August for the 2025-2026 academic school year. 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