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
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East Bay Community Action Program