Maryland Rural Development

Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Early Childhood EducationPosted on Nov 9

Full-timeEdgewood, MD, USA$19.15 - $20.47

About the Job

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required.
Previous experience working with preschool-aged children is required; experience in an early childhood education setting is preferred.
Candidates must be able to work with young children, demonstrate cultural competency with diverse families, follow instructions, and adapt to classroom needs.
Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively in writing and orally, and build relationships.
A valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the state are required.
Candidates must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting, Maryland licensing requirements, a medical evaluation, and tuberculosis screening.
The position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor, or crouching, and may require lifting 25–50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assist the Head Start Teacher in planning and implementing lesson plans aligned with Head Start guidelines.
Engage children in developmentally appropriate activities, including play-based learning, reading, and hands-on experiences.
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 and help ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
Organize the classroom by setting up materials and maintaining a clean learning space.
Support children during meals, naptime, transitions, and other daily routines.
Follow Head Start health and safety policies, including hygiene and sanitation procedures.
Build positive relationships with families and communicate regularly about children’s progress.
Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and Head Start events.
Help prepare materials for parent meetings and conferences.
Collaborate with the teacher, other staff members, and program administrators.
Attend Head Start training sessions, workshops, and meetings as required.
Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential files.
Perform related work as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

A Child Development Associate credential, an Associate’s degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education is preferred.

Teacher Assistant - Head Start (Edgewood)

Maryland Rural Development Corporation · Edgewood, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-09

Workplace: on_site

Department: Head Start

Description

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

Apply

Apply at Maryland Rural Development Corporation

About the Company

Maryland Rural Development

Company size: Not listed
Company stage: Not listed
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Headquarters: Not listed
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