Mentor/Education Coach

Job Overview

The Mentor/Education Coach plays a vital role in regularly engaging with education staff through observation, modeling, coaching, and mentoring, while ensuring adherence to established standards. This position involves providing targeted feedback during facilitated discussions on challenges faced by teachers and home visitors, thereby formulating effective intervention strategies. The coach supports the agency's School Readiness Framework and collaborates with Head Start and Early Head Start education and home-based staff to enhance learning environments using curriculum and educational planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in mentoring and training education personnel to enhance school readiness and uphold program quality.
• Perform classroom observations and deliver constructive feedback to improve teacher-child interaction and curriculum execution for positive child development.
• Offer technical support and hands-on coaching to classroom teachers to refine instructional practices and classroom environment.
• Conduct regular classroom assessments employing research-based evaluation methods such as CLASS and FrogStreet Fidelity tools.
• Collaborate with Education/Disabilities Specialists for service planning and monitoring within the educational component.
• Ensure that teacher-child interactions are intentional, developmentally appropriate, and supportive of social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development as well as learning in various subjects.
• Participate in policy development, service planning, and ongoing quality monitoring related to education.
• Promote adoption of best classroom practices and essential teaching strategies.
• Support teaching staff in effectively working with dual language learners.
• Ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards, as well as relevant state and local licensing requirements.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to support educational component objectives.
• Assist teaching staff with professional development plans and provide ongoing support.
• Perform any other duties as assigned, with responsibilities varying depending on program model, site needs, and locations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a closely related field supported by relevant experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of two years teaching experience with progressive responsibility, including demonstrated leadership as a Lead Teacher.
• Comprehensive understanding of early childhood education best practices, including evaluations and assessments for teachers and children.
• Preferred experience mentoring and training early childhood educators.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse community members and administrative staff.
• Required certifications include Pre-K CLASS reliability, QCIT certification, becoming a PD Specialist for CDA, and training in Practice Based Coaching (PBC).
• Employment is contingent on a successful federal background check.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, crawl, and sit on the floor to attend to children’s needs. Occasionally, the role involves lifting or moving up to 45 pounds. The employee must pass a physical examination confirming fitness to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Information

The job description is subject to change as per organizational policies and does not represent an exhaustive list of all job duties. It does not create contractual obligations. By undertaking this role, the employee agrees to abide by terms and conditions stipulated within the job profile.