On Call Substitute Teacher

Job Description

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