Job Title: Pre-Apprenticeship Counselor 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Regular/Temp: Regular, Grant Funded position  

Reports To: Deputy Director, RIAEYC 

SUMMARY 

The Pre-Apprenticeship Counselor is responsible for providing targeted support for high school CTE students and CTE  educators in obtaining related training and instruction as a part of the RI Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Pre Apprenticeship Counselor will participate in coordinating training, enrollment, and implementation of Early Childhood related college coursework for high school CTE students. The counselor will work alongside CTE leadership to certify  on-site staff with the credentials needed to administer the ECE related-instruction curriculum for students. The Pre Apprenticeship Counselor will create and maintain relationships with existing CTE programs, arrange mentoring  opportunities for students and create a pathway to certification within their CTE Program, before graduation. The position  will be required to perform occasional evening and weekend duties with advance notice. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Programs & Services: 

• Collaborate with Career and Technical Education programs to design and implement a CDA Credential Pathway  for high school students, creating a direct pipeline into the early childhood education profession. Implement  training for Career and Technical Education Leadership to become certified to administer related instruction 
• Assist in the development of Pre-Apprenticeship related events to connect job applicants with potential  employers and early childhood higher education programs, such as job fairs, college fairs and networking events
• Participate in all state-led career pathways meetings and partnership and program design meetings
• Gather necessary data and information for reporting purposes 
• Lead and maintain all recruitment activities; Prepare outreach and promotional materials as needed
• Work as a team player across departments and perform other tasks as assigned by agency leadership
• Model professionalism and supervision skills; maintain highest ethical standards; keep abreast of latest  developments and best practices in the career and technical education arena 

Knowledge of: 

• Higher Education landscape in RI 
• The Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing process and components 
• Available local and national resources and how to access them 
• Diverse cultures in the state of Rhode Island 
• Cultural appropriate and responsive relationships with high school students 

Technical Skills: 

• Professional skills set for collaborating with and supporting members of a team 
• Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking 
• Excellent reading and writing skills 
• Ability to respond professionally and respectfully as needed in different situations 

Non-Technical Skills and Behavior: 

• Professional, friendly, and respectful demeanor in all interactions 
• Treats colleagues, clients, and others with care and respect  
• Performs duties professionally and in a timely manner

Ability to: 

• Exercise sound judgment 
• Take initiative to solve problems 
• Maintain professional demeanor regardless of internal or external concerns  
• Perform other duties as assigned 
• Handle confidential information related to programs, children, and families 
• Complete multiple tasks concurrently with a consistent professional demeanor 

  

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below  are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

Minimum Education, Skills, and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field 
• Attention to detail with ability to perform various tasks efficiently and accurately 
• Knowledge and/or experience in early care and education programs 
• Computer literacy and design knowledge 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Professional skills set for collaborating with members of a team 
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully in handling complex and sensitive customer  relations. 

Preferred Education, Additional Qualifications and Experience:  

• Education experience in quality child care program(s) 
• Working knowledge of state systems, including Career and Technical Education Programs • Marketing experience 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform  the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to  perform the essential functions. 

Individuals in this position must have the ability to: 

Travel to and from community locations which could include using walkways and/or stairs 

Drive and have access to reliable transportation 

Work in typical office and classroom environments 

Have internet connection for online meetings and trainings as needed 

 

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to the Director of Operations and Human Resources at kfreire@riaeyc.org

 

REVIEW & APPROVAL 

Job Description Prepared by: 

Name: Marinel Russo 

Title: Deputy Director, RIAEYC 

Date: January 2026