Are you passionate about supporting young children during their most important developmental years? Join our Early Head Start team and play a meaningful role in creating nurturing, engaging, and safe learning environments where infants and toddlers can thrive. If you enjoy working alongside dedicated educators, partnering with families, and making a lasting impact in your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Description
As an Early Head Start Teacher Assistant, you will provide hands-on classroom support and work closely with the Teacher Lead to deliver high-quality early childhood education experiences. You'll help create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn through exploration and positive interactions.
This role is based across Head Start locations throughout the EBCAP service area, including Tiverton, Newport, Middletown, East Providence, and Warren, as needed. You will help ensure programs align with Head Start standards, developmentally appropriate practices, and evidence-based early learning frameworks.
As a float team member, you'll have the opportunity to support children and classrooms across our East Bay locations. Flexibility and reliable transportation to travel throughout the service area are required.
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Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging classroom environment.
- Supervise children throughout the day and promote positive learning experiences.
- Support social-emotional growth through positive guidance strategies.
- Assist in planning and implementing age-appropriate learning activities.
- Help document children's activities, progress, and classroom experiences.
- Foster positive relationships between children, families, and staff.
- Encourage family participation and open communication.
- Assist with home visits and family conferences throughout the year.
- Participate in community recruitment events that support program growth and outreach.
- Assist with daily classroom organization, cleanliness, and supply management.
- Support classroom routines and schedules to ensure smooth operations.
- Collaborate with teaching staff and education leadership to maintain high program standards.
- Report safety concerns and policy issues promptly.
- Partner with behavioral health professionals and teaching teams when specialized support plans are needed.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and maintain required credentials.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support children and families.
- Demonstrate commitment to diversity, ethics, and inclusion.
- Make referrals and promote agency services when appropriate.
Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
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We're looking for candidates who bring:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- A collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
- The ability to build trust with children, families, and colleagues.
- Positive behavior support and child guidance skills.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Professional judgment, integrity, and confidentiality.
- A passion for early childhood development and family-centered services.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Experience working in an early childhood education setting.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, particularly in Infant/Toddler education.
- Degree coursework in Early Childhood Education.
- Experience with The Creative Curriculum.
- Familiarity with classroom assessment tools.
Knowledge of Conscious Discipline practices.
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For eligible full-time employees, EBCAP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical and dental insurance
- Vision coverage options
- Flexible spending accounts
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
- Generous paid time off
- Mileage reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
- Agency-funded training and professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and additional wellness resources
If you're ready to support young learners, strengthen family connections, and make a meaningful difference every day, we encourage you to apply for our Early Head Start Teacher Assistant opportunity. Together, we can help children build strong foundations for lifelong success.
East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible health and human services to people across eastern Rhode Island. Founded as part of President Johnson's War on Poverty in 1965, EBCAP now serves ten communities with over 20 distinct programs — including primary medical and dental care, behavioral health services, early childhood education, and community support programs for children, youth, families, adults, and seniors.
Our 521 employees work across more than ten locations, addressing everything from immediate needs like food and housing to long-term health and wellness. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Rhode Islanders, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
EBCAP is a federal contractor subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). We take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans without discrimination in all employment practices.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact People Operations at
[email protected] (401) 431-9870 x1615.
