Co Teacher- Early Head Start

Co Teacher- Early Head Start

Department: Early Head Start

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newport - Chafee Head Start

Reporting To: Heidi Nordmann

Compensation: $22.00 - $24.00 / hour

Description

Shape Tiny Lives, Build Bright Futures: Early Head Start Co-Teacher Make Every Day Matter in a Child''s Critical First Years

Are you passionate about nurturing the potential in every child? Do you light up when a toddler says their first word or takes their first independent steps? EBCAP''s Early Head Start program is seeking a dedicated Co-Teacher to join our mission of providing high-quality early learning experiences that change the trajectory of children''s lives.

Why This Role Matters

The first three years of life are the most critical period for brain development. As an Early Head Start Co-Teacher, you won''t just be teaching-you''ll be building the foundation for every child''s future success. You''ll create nurturing, joyful learning environments where infants and toddlers discover their world, develop confidence, and build relationships that last a lifetime.

Bonus Opportunity: This position is eligible for a $1,500 retention bonus paid after six months of employment, subject to satisfactory performance and active employment status.

Key Responsibilities

Create Magic in the Classroom (45% of your time)

• Partner with your lead teacher to design engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and wonder
• Help little ones discover language, early literacy, math, science, and social studies through play and exploration
• Maintain a classroom that meets the highest quality standards (CLASS and ECERS/ITERS)
• Ensure every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn
• Support children''s social-emotional growth using positive guidance techniques

Partner with Families (35% of your time)

• Build meaningful relationships with families through home visits and conferences
• Empower parents as their child''s first teacher
• Create bridges between home and school that strengthen children''s learning
• Conduct two home visits and two family conferences per child each year
• Participate in community recruitment events (some evenings/weekends)

Grow as an Educator (20% of your time)

• Collaborate with a supportive teaching team
• Pursue ongoing professional development (minimum 20 hours annually)
• Mentor teacher assistants and volunteers
• Work alongside specialists to support all children''s needs
• Participate in Kids Connect therapeutic integration when applicable

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education (one of the following required):

• RI Department of Education teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, OR
• Bachelor''s or Associate''s degree in ECE with 3 months supervised teaching experience, OR
• Bachelor''s or Associate''s in a related field with infant/toddler classroom experience

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year working with infants and/or toddlers in a licensed childcare, Early Head Start, or Head Start setting
• Track record implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for ages 0-3
• Experience conducting child observations and assessments
• Demonstrated ability working with families and community partners

Your Strengths:

• Deep knowledge of early childhood development principles
• Collaborative spirit and team player mentality
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Flexibility to travel between program locations
• Physical ability to actively engage with young children (lifting, bending, floor play)
• Dedication to confidentiality and ethical standards

Benefits

We believe in taking care of the people who care for our children. Full-time positions (30-40 hours/week) include:

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Subsidized medical and dental insurance (BCBSRI & Delta)
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Up to 3% matching 403(b) retirement plan after one year
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employee assistance program

Work-Life Balance:

• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, personal days, and sick time)
• Full-year work schedule with school breaks

Professional Growth:

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Agency-paid training and continuing education
• Individual Professional Development Plan support

Additional Perks:

• Mileage reimbursement for travel between locations
• Collaborative, supportive work environment

If you''re excited about shaping young minds during their most formative years and building lasting relationships with children and families, we want to hear from you!

Join us in our mission to give every child the best possible start in life. Your passion and dedication can help build a stronger, brighter future-one tiny hand at a time.