Classroom Aide EHS

East Bay Community Action Program•Newport, RI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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.

Requirements

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)

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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