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