Social Emotional Learning Assistant

East Bay Community Action Program; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical and dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Up to 3% matching 403(b) retirement plan

Employer-paid life insurance

Generous paid time off

Agency-paid training and continuing education

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Rhode Island is seeking a Social Emotional Learning Assistant to support young children's emotional growth through hands-on coaching and collaboration. This role involves implementing therapeutic plans, collaborating with teaching teams, and creating nurturing environments for children with social-emotional needs. Ideal candidates have an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related fields, along with a passion for helping young children succeed. This full-time position does not offer hybrid options but provides opportunities for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children with behavioral or developmental needs.
• Understanding of child development and positive guidance techniques.
• Valid Rhode Island driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized therapeutic integration plans using behavioral frameworks.
• Provide hands-on coaching during classroom activities.
• Teach emotional coping strategies in real-time moments.
• Track children's progress through observation and documentation.
• Collaborate with clinical staff weekly.

Skills

Calm and therapeutic presence

Trust building

Accurate observation

Empathetic communication

Cultural diversity awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related fields

Job description

Social Emotional Learning Assistant (SELA)

Location: Head Start Centers across Rhode Island
Position Type: Full-Time, non-hybrid

Transform Futures, One Child at a Time

Are you passionate about helping young children develop the emotional skills they need to thrive? Do you believe every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can learn to navigate their feelings, build meaningful relationships, and develop confidence?

As a Social Emotional Learning Assistant at EBCAP's Head Start program, you'll be at the heart of children’s most critical developmental years. You'll work alongside dedicated teaching teams and clinical professionals to create trauma‑informative classroom environments where children with behavioral and social‑emotional needs can flourish.

What Makes This Role Special

You’ll Be a Game‑Changer: Partner directly with children who need extra support, implementing evidence‑based strategies like Conscious Discipline and The Incredible Years to help them develop self‑regulation skills, emotional literacy, and school readiness.

Real‑Time Impact: Watch children grow and succeed as you coach them through challenging moments, model emotional coping strategies, and celebrate their progress every single day.

Collaborative Environment: Work closely with our Head Start Site Clinician, teaching teams, and families to create individualized therapeutic integration plans that truly make a difference.

Meaningful Connections: Build trusting relationships with children and families, becoming a vital source of support and positive guidance during foundational years.

What You’ll Do

Guide Children’s Social‑Emotional Growth (50% of your time)

• Implement individualized therapeutic integration plans using evidence‑based behavioral frameworks
• Provide hands‑on coaching during classroom activities, transitions, meals, and play to reinforce positive skills
• Teach emotional coping strategies and conflict resolution in real‑time moments that matter
• Track progress through thoughtful observation and documentation
• Collaborate weekly with clinical staff to refine strategies and celebrate wins

Support the Whole Classroom (35% of your time)

• Help teaching teams create environments where all children can develop social‑emotional competencies
• Maintain safe, nurturing classroom spaces that support learning and growth
• Partner with families to reinforce strategies at home
• Integrate social‑emotional learning seamlessly into daily activities

Grow Professionally (15% of your time)

• Participate in ongoing professional development focused on trauma‑informed care and behavioral strategies
• Connect with community partners and early intervention providers
• Contribute to program quality and support integrated services that benefit families

Who You Are

You Bring:

• An Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or related field (Psychology, Social Work, Human Development, etc.) with behavioral intervention training, OR
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with experience coaching children with challenging behaviors
• Prior experience working with young children with behavioral or developmental needs
• Understanding of child development and positive guidance techniques
• Valid Rhode Island driver's license and reliable transportation

You Excel At:

• Staying calm and therapeutic during high‑stress situations
• Building trust quickly with children, families, and colleagues
• Observing carefully and documenting accurately
• Communicating with empathy and clarity
• Embracing cultural diversity and working with varied populations
• Collaborating as a team player while adapting to changing needs

Bonus Points For:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education
• Certification in Conscious Discipline, Incredible Years, TBRI, or similar frameworks
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, Portuguese, or other languages)
• Experience in trauma‑informed settings

Why EBCAP?

We don't just offer a job; we offer a career with purpose and support:

• Subsidized medical and dental insurance (BCBSRI & Delta)
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Up to 3% matching 403(b) retirement plan after one year
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, personal days, sick time)

Investment in Your Growth

• Agency‑paid training and continuing education
• Employee assistance program
• Minimum 24 hours of professional development annually

Physical Requirements

This active role requires physical engagement with young children, including lifting up to 40 pounds, moving dynamically throughout classrooms and playgrounds, and participating in active play. You'll need to transition between standing, sitting, kneeling, and floor activities throughout the day.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a team that believes in the power of social‑emotional learning to transform lives. Every day, you'll witness the incredible impact of helping children develop the skills they need to succeed, not just in school, but in life.

Reports to: Head Start Site Clinician
Department: Head Start