Job Description

Description

About the Role


East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking dependable and caring On-Call Substitute Teachers to support classrooms at our Newport (Chafee) Head Start Center. This role is essential to maintaining safe staff-to-child ratios, classroom continuity, and a calm, nurturing learning environment when regular teaching staff are out.

On-Call Substitute Teachers are scheduled as needed and may receive same-day or short-notice assignments. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals interested in early childhood education, Head Start, or community-based work, with potential pathways into more regular roles.



Position Details

• Status: Part-time, On-Call / Per Diem
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, variable shifts between approximately 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Location: In-person at the Chafee Head Start Center (Newport)
• Pay Range: $16.00–$23.95 per hour (based on education and credentials)
• Funding: Grant-funded (Head Start & childcare revenue) through January 2027

Why Join EBCAP?

• Support children’s learning and well-being during critical early years
• Gain hands-on experience in a high-quality Head Start program
• Join a mission-driven organization committed to equity and community impact
• Build experience that may lead to regular or full-time opportunities

Key Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Follow daily lesson plans and classroom routines prepared by permanent teaching staff
• Provide continuous supervision of children during classroom activities, meals, rest periods, toileting, and outdoor play
• Support children using established positive behavior guidance strategies
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
• Assist with family-style meal service and daily transitions
• Greet families and communicate basic information at arrival and departure, following staff guidance
• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitizing tasks
• Report safety concerns, incidents, or policy issues promptly to the Education Coordinator
• Attend required trainings and remain current on program expectations
• Remain flexible and responsive to on-call staffing needs at the Chafee site

Qualifications

Who Thrives in This Role

Successful substitutes at EBCAP are people who:

• Are attentive, calm, and genuinely enjoy working with young children
• Notice needs and step in appropriately without always being directed
• Follow guidance well and work collaboratively with classroom teams
• Show up reliably, on time, and ready to help
• Value professionalism, confidentiality, and teamwork

We hire for heart, judgment, and reliability, and provide training for the technical aspects.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field; or
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; or
• High school diploma/GED with early childhood coursework or relevant experience; or
• RI Department of Education Teacher Assistant Training certificate

Additional requirements:

• Ability to work variable, intermittent on-call hours (some weeks may have no shifts)
• Reliable transportation to the Chafee Head Start Center in Newport
• Ability to take direction from teaching staff and adapt quickly to different classrooms
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional conduct

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in any setting
• Familiarity with Head Start or licensed childcare programs
• Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole strongly valued)
• Current Pediatric First Aid & CPR certification

About East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)

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 peopleoperations@ebcap.org (401) 431-9870 x1615.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Daily paid, Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, For contractors, Local area, Immediate start, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work

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