JOB SUMMARY:

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Anchor Grant Program is a collaborative initiative between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), Brown University, and the Providence Public School District (PPSD) designed to strengthen educational pathways and workforce development opportunities for early childhood education professionals, with a primary focus on employees of PPSD while also serving other eligible early childhood education practitioners across Rhode Island. The program supports participant success through coordinated academic support, advising, cohort engagement, and cross-institutional collaboration.

The Early Childhood Education Mentor provides non-evaluative academic, workforce development, and student support services to participants enrolled in Early Childhood Education certificate and degree pathways. The Mentor supports adult learners in balancing employment and academic responsibilities while promoting persistence, retention, and program completion through individualized and group mentoring and navigation of college and workforce resources.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Commitment to CCRI’s Mission

• Demonstrate commitment to the community college mission and its diverse student populations.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college.

• Work collaboratively with others in a diverse and inclusive environment.

• Work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered environment, with students of various learning styles, cultures, identities, and life experiences.

Student Support and Mentoring

• Provide individual and group mentoring and academic support to ECE Anchor Program participants.

• Conduct on-site mentoring in PPSD classrooms and other educational settings to support application of coursework to practice.

• Assist students with academic planning, course registration, and navigation of CCRI systems and student support services.

• Support students in setting goals, maintaining progress, and transitioning into associate degree pathways.

• Promote reflection and connection between coursework and early childhood education practice.

Standards, Ethics, and Instructional Practice

• Support alignment of classroom practice with Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).

• Provide guidance on professional ethics using the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

• Support understanding and application of Rhode Island’s BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), including awareness of program quality standards related to staff qualifications, learning environments, health, and safety.

• Assist students in connecting academic coursework and professional practice to statewide early childhood education quality frameworks and expectations.

Financial Aid and Workforce Navigation

• Provide navigation support for FAFSA and financial aid processes, including referrals to CCRI Financial Aid Office as appropriate.

• Assist students in accessing scholarship and workforce funding opportunities, including the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Rhode Island Scholarship Program.

• Support students in understanding and managing the balance between academic requirements and full-time employment responsibilities.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Collaborate with CCRI faculty, student services, PPSD staff, and external partners to support student success.

• Support recruitment, retention, and program engagement activities.

• Participate in meetings, trainings, and grant-related initiatives.

Program Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of student participation, progress, and engagement.

• Complete required documentation, reporting, and grant-related data tracking.

• Support program evaluation and compliance activities.

Technology and Scheduling

• Use Google Classroom and Microsoft Office Suite to support instruction and communication.

• Provide bilingual support for Spanish- and English-speaking students.

• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

• Travel to CCRI campuses, PPSD sites, and community locations as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual: fluent in Spanish and English

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, Education, or related field

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in early childhood education, adult education, mentoring, or workforce development

• Knowledge of Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS)

• Knowledge of NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

• Knowledge of Rhode Island BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) or early childhood program quality frameworks

• Knowledge of early childhood education systems, workforce pathways, and licensing standards in Rhode Island

• Experience supporting students with financial aid navigation and/or scholarship awareness (referral-based support)

• Proficiency in Google Classroom and Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to travel to multiple sites across Rhode Island

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with Providence Public School District or similar urban school districts

• Familiarity with the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Rhode Island Scholarship Program

• Experience supporting adult learners in educational or workforce development settings

• Strong mentoring, communication, and organizational skills

• Experience working in grant-funded programs

• Strong cultural competence and ability to support diverse learners

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a part-time support role

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa including student visas.