Associate Teacher Head Start

Launch Your Career in Early Childhood

Education:

Head Start Teacher Associate Be Part of Something Bigger—Help Shape the Future, One Child at a Time

Do you believe every child deserves an amazing start to their educational journey? Are you eager to learn from experienced educators while making a real impact in young lives? EBCAP's Head Start program is looking for a dedicated Teacher Associate to join our team and help create classrooms where preschoolers thrive, families feel supported, and every day brings new growth opportunities.

This isn't just a job—it's your chance to be part of a transformative early childhood program while building a rewarding career. Whether you're beginning your journey in early education or looking to grow your skills in a supportive environment, you'll work alongside experienced Teacher Leads who are committed to your professional development while helping prepare young children for kindergarten success.

Position: Teacher Associate, Head Start
Location: Multiple locations throughout Rhode Island (Tiverton, Newport, Middletown, East Providence, and Warren)
Reports to: Teacher Lead and Education Coordinator
Schedule: Full-time, in-person (not hybrid eligible)

Create Engaging Learning Experiences (40% of your time)

• Partner with the Teacher Lead to bring creative curriculum to life for preschoolers
• Help children discover the joy of reading, counting, science exploration, and social studies
• Maintain a safe, nurturing classroom where every child feels valued and excited to learn
• Use positive guidance techniques to support children's social-emotional development
• Keep learning spaces clean, organized, and full of developmentally appropriate materials
• Contribute to child assessments and individualized learning plans

Build Meaningful Family Connections (25% of your time)

• Welcome families into your classroom and help them feel like valued partners
• Assist with home visits and family conferences that strengthen the home-school connection
• Support the Teacher Lead in conducting two home visits and two conferences per child annually
• Create warm, trusting relationships with families through open communication
• Participate in community recruitment events (some evenings/weekends—about 4 hours outside regular schedule)

Support Classroom Leadership (25% of your time)

• Step up when the Teacher Lead is away, helping maintain smooth classroom operations
• Supervise and mentor teacher assistants, substitutes, and volunteers
• Coordinate janitorial duties and food service responsibilities with your Teacher Lead
• Serve as a positive liaison with host programs and public school personnel
• Keep communication open with coordinators about any safety concerns or policy issues
• For Kids Connect classrooms: collaborate with clinicians to support children with special needs

Grow Your Skills (10% of your time)

• Pursue at least 20 hours of professional development annually
• Work toward or maintain your teaching credentials
• Participate in collaborative planning and team meetings
• Learn from specialists in child development, behavioral support, and family engagement
• Attend Kids Connect trainings when applicable

Education Requirements (you need ONE of the following):

• High school diploma or GED with minimum 6 ECE credit hours AND enrolled in a CDA program (to complete within 1 year of hire), OR
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Early Childhood with supervised teaching experience, OR
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with supervised teaching experience

Experience:

• Teaching experience in an early childhood education setting

We'd Love to See:

• CDA credential or degree in Early Childhood Education
• Familiarity with The Creative Curriculum and classroom assessment tools
• Experience with Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) or The Incredible Years

Your Strengths:

• Natural ability to connect with young children and guide their behavior positively
• Strong team player who loves collaborating and learning from others
• Excellent communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Commitment to…