Classroom Aide- Early Head Start

East Bay Community Action Program; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Mileage reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement

Training & development

Employee Assistance Program

Team environment

Job summary

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking a Classroom Aide for the Early Head Start program at Newport/Chafee. You will support infants and toddlers with meals, sanitation, and daily transitions, helping teachers provide safe, high‑quality care.

This full‑time, in‑person role offers a $16.50–$19.50 hourly wage and a comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in food service, childcare, or related environments.
• Ability to follow safety and sanitation checklists.
• Willingness to obtain Food Safety Certification within 90 days of hire.
• CPR/First Aid certification current or attainable.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, and serve meals and snacks per USDA CACFP standards.
• Sanitize kitchen equipment and classroom areas; maintain temperature logs.
• Provide classroom coverage during teacher breaks and transitions; support safety audits.

Skills

Food service experience

Childcare experience

Safety procedures

Food Safety Certification within 90d

CPR/First Aid

Lift up to 40 lbs

Job description

Application Deadline: 23 October 2026

Department: Early Head Start

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newport - Chafee Head Start

Reporting To: Heidi Nordmann

Compensation: $16.50 - $19.50 / hour

Description

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking a Classroom Aide to join our Early Head Start team at our Newport/Chafee location. This is a hands-on, in-person role supporting infants and toddlers by ensuring safe meals, clean and sanitary classrooms, and smooth daily transitions—giving teachers the support they need to focus on child growth and development.

This position is an excellent entry point for individuals interested in a career pathway in early childhood education or human services.

About the Role

The Classroom Aide is an integral member of the Early Head Start classroom team, responsible for meal preparation and nutrition compliance, classroom sanitation, and providing reliable classroom coverage throughout the day. This role directly supports child health and safety, program continuity, and compliance with Head Start and USDA CACFP standards.

This is a full-time, in-person position, funded through childcare revenue and designed to support long-term program sustainability.

Why This Role Matters

By supporting food service, sanitation, and classroom operations, the Classroom Aide helps maintain safe adult-to-child ratios, reduces teacher burnout, and ensures that infants and toddlers receive consistent, high-quality care in a nurturing environment. This role plays a key part in creating stable, well-functioning classrooms that support both children and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Nutrition Compliance

• Prepare, portion, and serve meals and snacks in accordance with USDA CACFP standards
• Safely prepare infant bottles according to individualized feeding plans
• Maintain awareness of food allergies and special dietary needs
• Sanitize kitchen equipment, dishes, and food service areas after meals
• Restock classroom refrigerators and maintain required temperature logs

Healthy Learning Environment

• Complete daily cleaning and sanitizing of classroom and food service areas
• Manage classroom laundry so linens and comfort items are clean and available
• Sanitize toys and learning materials per established schedules
• Monitor and restock classroom supplies such as diapers, wipes, and paper products

Classroom Coverage & Program Continuity

• Provide classroom coverage during teacher breaks and planning time
• Support smooth transitions during arrivals, departures, and nap routines
• Assist with playground safety checks and emergency preparedness audits
• Step into kitchen aide duties as needed to maintain uninterrupted service

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Required

• Prior experience in food service, childcare, or a related environment
• Ability to follow safety, sanitation, and checklist-based procedures
• Willingness to obtain Food Safety Certification within 90 days of hire
• Current or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role (lifting up to 40 lbs, standing, bending, and working at floor level)

Preferred

• Experience in Early Head Start, Head Start, or CACFP-regulated environments
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole)
• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in early childhood education or human services

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-Time (30+ hours per week)
• Monday–Friday
• Standard hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. This schedule is consistent; however, limited flexibility may be required on occasion.
• In-person role at the Newport/Chafee site

Benefits

• Hourly rate: $16.50 – $19.50
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, personal and sick time)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Agency-paid training and professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment