# Teacher Assistant - Head Start > Maryland Rural Development Corporation · Cecilton, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-04-17 **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) - 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 ## Apply [Apply at Maryland Rural Development Corporation](https://apply.workable.com/maryland-rural-development-corporation/j/2FDEC3FA24/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)