Lead Teacher, Early Head Start

East Bay Community Action Program; Newport; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community action organization in Newport seeks a passionate Lead Teacher for the Early Head Start program. In this leadership role, you will inspire and support young learners while mentoring fellow educators. You will have the opportunity to create engaging learning environments, foster relationships with families, and contribute significantly to children's development. Competitive salary and benefits package included for full-time staff. Join a team committed to making a lasting impact in early childhood education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health coverage (Medical and dental)

403(b) retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid professional development

Generous PTO

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire early childhood education programs.
• Create engaging learning experiences for children.
• Mentor and support your teaching team.
• Build relationships with families through open communication.

Skills

Early childhood education

Mentoring

Creative lesson planning

Communication

Education

RI Department of Education teacher certification in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in ECE with supervised teaching experience

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a related field with teaching experience

Job description

Careers At East Bay Community Action Program

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Your Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

Are you passionate about early childhood education? Do you believe every child deserves an exceptional start in life? This is your chance to lead, inspire, and transform lives every single day.

As a Lead Teacher at EBCAP Early Head Start, you won't just teach—you'll be a champion for our youngest learners, a mentor to your team, and a trusted partner to families. You'll create the kind of magical learning environment where children thrive, staff grow, and families feel truly supported.

Why This Role is Extraordinary

This isn't just a teaching position—it's a leadership opportunity where your passion directly impacts children's futures. You'll have the autonomy to shape your classroom, develop your team, and build meaningful relationships with families while being supported by comprehensive resources and a mission-driven organization.

Where Your Passion Meets Purpose

• Ignite curiosity and wonder through engaging learning experiences that spark literacy, language, math, and science discovery
• Create your ideal learning environment using Creative Curriculum, CLASS, and ECERS/ITERS frameworks
• Champion every child's potential with individualized assessments and developmentally appropriate activities
• Foster social-emotional growth using positive behavioral guidance, PBIS, and The Incredible Years
• Be the safe, nurturing presence children need to explore, learn, and flourish

Grow & Empower Your Team (30%)

• Mentor the next generation of early childhood educators—Teachers, Assistants, and specialists who look to you for guidance
• Shape professional growth through monthly supervision, goal-setting, and Individual Professional Development Plans
• Build your dream team by participating in hiring decisions
• Celebrate successes and support development through meaningful feedback and coaching
• Never stop growing yourself—enjoy 20+ hours of paid professional development annually

?? Transform Lives Through Family Partnership (20%)

• Build bridges of trust with families through authentic, open communication
• Welcome families into the learning journey with home visits and conferences that truly matter
• Empower parents as their child's first and most important teacher
• Create community connections through recruitment events and family engagement activities
• See the ripple effect of your work extending beyond the classroom into homes and communities

Drive Program Excellence (10%)

• Collaborate across teams to ensure every child receives comprehensive support
• Lead by example in maintaining high-quality program standards
• Connect children to resources by liaising with schools and community partners
• In Kids Connect classrooms: Partner with clinicians to support children with special needs through Therapeutic Integration Plans

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Lives and breathes early childhood education—you see the incredible potential in every child
• Leads with heart and skill—you inspire others while maintaining high standards
• Builds authentic relationships—with children, families, and teammates
• Embraces challenges—you're comfortable supporting children with diverse needs and behaviors
• Thinks creatively—you love designing engaging learning experiences
• Communicates with care—you maintain professionalism while being warm and approachable
• Commits fully—you're ready for a full-year schedule and travel between locations

Required Qualifications (one of the following):

• RI Department of Education (DOE) 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 degree in a related field with infant/toddler classroom teaching experience

Preferred Credentials:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) with infant/toddler endorsement
• 12 credit hours in ECE-related coursework
• Training specific to infants and toddlers

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds, bend, reach, sit, stand, and actively engage in classroom activities
• Full vision abilities for safe supervision and interaction

We Invest in You

Outstanding Compensation & Benefits for Full-Time Staff (30-40 hours/week):

Because you deserve to be valued:

• Competitive salary reflecting your expertise and leadership
• Exceptional health coverage: Medical and dental (BCBSRI) with heavy employer subsidization, PLUS vision insurance
• Build your future: Up to 3% matching 403(b) retirement plan
• Peace of mind: Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• True work-life balance: Generous PTO including vacation, holidays, personal days, and sick time
• Grow your career: Tuition reimbursement and fully-paid training/CEU opportunities
• Support when you need it: Employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts
• Mileage reimbursement for travel between locations

About EBCAP: Where Mission Meets Action

At EBCAP, we don't just talk about quality early childhood education—we live it every day. Our programs exceed Head Start Performance Standards, embrace the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and follow Rhode Island's highest standards to ensure every child receives exceptional care and education.

When you join EBCAP, you join a community of passionate professionals committed to changing lives.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

If you're excited about making a real difference, leading with passion, and being part of something bigger than yourself—we want YOU on our team!

Your journey to impact starts here. Don't just take a job—embrace a calling.

To Apply: [Insert application instructions]

Reports To: Education Coordinator
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Work Location: On-site at EBCAP Early Head Start program locations

?? "The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book." — Anonymous