East Bay Community Action Program·Newport, Rhode Island
The Social Emotional Learning Assistant will implement individualized therapeutic integration plans to support children's social-emotional growth and behavioral needs. They will collaborate with teaching teams and clinical staff to maintain a nurturing classroom environment and provide hands-on coaching during daily activities.
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-informed classroom environments where children with behavioral and social-emotional needs can flourish. 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.
Watch children grow and succeed as you coach them through challenging moments, model emotional coping strategies, and celebrate their progress every single day.
Work closely with our Head Start Site Clinician, teaching teams, and families to create individualized therapeutic integration plans that truly make a difference.
Build trusting relationships with children and families, becoming a vital source of support and positive guidance during foundational years.
Key Responsibilities 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
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise 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
Benefits: We don't just offer a job—we offer a career with purpose and support:
Comprehensive Benefits (Full-Time 30-40 hours/week) 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) Mileage reimbursement Investment in Your Growth Tuition reimbursement Agency-paid training and continuing education Employee assistance program Minimum 24 hours of professional development annually 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. 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.
Candidates must possess an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with behavioral intervention training, or a CDA credential with relevant experience. A valid driver's license and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 40 pounds are also required.
Market context
In Rhode Island, Social Emotional Learning Assistant roles are typically sought in settings serving children with developmental and behavioral needs, where schools and programs need consistent support with regulation, routines, and coaching. This role is competitive because employers often look for an associate’s degree or CDA, plus hands-on experience and a valid Rhode Island driver’s license. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then tailor your application to specific behavioral coaching experience and child-support examples.
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