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 a 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Educations, or related field
• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
• Must pass criminal background check in MD and surrounding states.
• At least one year of early childhood classroom teaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with children preferred

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Knowledge of early childhood development principles
• Strong classroom management skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
• Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families

Physical Demand/Working Environment:

• 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

Terms of Employment:

• Eleven (11) month position; subject to change to meet the demands of the center and the MRDC organization

Salary is based on Education and Experience: $26.54 - $30.38 per hour

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