Teacher - Early Head Start

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

• 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

• 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