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 Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3 years). This role involves implementing the Early Head Start curriculum, fostering positive relationships with children and families, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing regulations. Job Responsibilities: + Provide a warm, responsive, and stimulating environment that supports the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers. + Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities based on the Early Head Start curriculum and individual child needs. + Conduct ongoing assessments and observations to track child progress and adjust lesson plans accordingly. + Promote language development, early literacy, and problem-solving skills through play-based learning experiences. + Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom that meets health and safety regulations. + Follow all health and safety protocols, including diapering, handwashing, and sanitization procedures. + Support healthy eating habits by assisting with meal times and encouraging self-feeding. + Monitor children for signs of illness, developmental delays, or concerns and communicate with families and supervisors as needed. + Establish strong, respectful relationships with families and encourage parent involvement in their child’s learning. + Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss child progress and provide guidance on child development. + Collaborate with families to create individualized learning plans based on child strengths and goals. + Provide resources and referrals to families for additional support services when necessary. + Work closely with co-teachers, family advocates, and support staff to maintain a high-quality early childhood program. + Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to stay current on early childhood best practices. + Maintain accurate records of attendance, child progress, and daily reports as required by Early Head Start guidelines. + Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and program policies. + 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. Physical Demands: + Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching + May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs Terms of Employment: + Twelve (12) month; full-time position Compensation: $19.60 - $23.40 per hour; Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Requirements + Minimum: Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE). + Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. + At least 1 year of experience working with infants and toddlers in an early childhood setting. + Knowledge of child development principles, attachment theory, and responsive caregiving. Required Skills/Qualifications + Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for infants and toddlers. + Ability to create a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment. + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with children, families, and colleagues. + Basic computer skills for record-keeping and documentation. + CPR & First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain). + Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required. + 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 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 Disability + Training & Development