Head Start/Early Head Start Teacher Mentor (Center Education Coach)

Overview: The Education Coach supports and assists the Center Operations Director and/or Elementary Principal, and teaching staff with the implementation of the Early Head Start/Head Start educational programming in accordance with State Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards, the Agency’s school readiness goals, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. The Education Coach is responsible for providing high-quality coaching, guided reflection, training, and technical assistance to Head Start classroom teachers and teacher assistants on best practices related to early learning and supporting the social-emotional development of prekindergarten students in alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks.
Position will work from all Stephenville locationsUpbring is classified as an essential business by the Federal government because the services we provide are critical to the wellbeing of thousands of children and families.Responsibilities:Essential DutiesCoaching and Mentoring

• Coach and mentor teaching staff utilizing a practice-based coaching model such as T-TESS, Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and Teachers Learning and Collaborating tool
• In coordination with Director of Education, and Center and/or ISD leadership, develop a comprehensive teacher coaching plan based on T-TESS and CLASS data; plans will be reviewed by the Director of Education and Elementary Principal
• Conduct professional development training based on the needs of teachers on a monthly basis and provide a minimum of 12 -15 hours monthly of coaching for teachers in higher need
• Support staff as needed in adopting curriculum, implementation, individualization, screening, and child assessment
• Utilize leadership styles that are developmentally appropriate for individual teaching staff and give guidance regarding classroom/time management, discipline, scheduling, planning and organizing the day
• Monitor staff progress and child outcomes based on student assessments and school readiness goals
• Assist center staff with new teacher and volunteer onboarding and training; assist the education team in planning and implementing comprehensive, differentiated, and professional development for education staff
• Attend professional development trainings to maintain current and up-to-date knowledge and information on curriculum development and learning strategies

Evaluation and Assessment

• Participates in classroom CLASS observations and workgroups to assess program needs and planning strategies for system/process improvement or development of early childhood education, disabilities, and mental health
• Partner with Center and/or ISD leadership and Director of Education for the facilitation of professional learning communities related to curriculum planning and assessment data
• Provide consultation to Center and/or ISD leadership and teaching staff on differentiated instruction for all children, including those with IEP/IFSP and those with challenging behaviors
• Work closely with Director of Education, Center and/or ISD leadership and teaching staff to apply and analyze performance-based assessment data to utilize results for planning and individualized instruction
• Track and analyze child outcomes and use data to make recommendations to improve instruction and program development
• Partner with the Director of Education, Assistant Superintendent of Education, Center and/or ISD leadership, and other Head Start leadership to determine best practices in analyzing student assessment and instructional practice to guide strategic planning for curriculum and instruction
• Partner with Elementary Principal regarding the administration of criterion-referenced tests to track student performance
• Coordinate with Director of Education, Center and/or ISD leadership to ensure the timely identification, referral and transition support for children with disabilities; assist Center Operations Director with promoting the benefits of Early Head Start and Head Start educational programs for children with disabilities
• Partner with Elementary Principal to collect data regarding student goals for IEPs, to maintain accurate records of student progress, implementing behavioral and disciplinary programs
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Communication and Partnerships

• Works closely with program leadership and teachers to ensure full implementation of all aspects of the school readiness program, record keeping, reporting, and ongoing monitoring
• Partner with Director of Education and Center and/or ISD leadership to ensure the implementation of early learning curriculum
• Exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff and the community; assist teaching staff in developing cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Working Relationships

• Actively participate in collaborative and cooperative efforts and activities with the Head Start leadership, education team and cross-functional teams, such as Family Services, mental health, and medical providers, disabilities services, and nutritional services
• Work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Education, Center and/or ISD leadership, teachers, and other Head Start leadership and staff to maintain focus on education (learning outcomes) and aligning instructional strategies with program goals and objectives that meet the needs of the students and families; work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Education, Elementary Principal, and teachers to improve the quality and effectiveness of the program
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with classroom teachers, administrative staff, children, and parents to ensure the children are receiving a quality learning experience
• Work closely with teaching staff and administration to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes
• Work as part of the team and always show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and working relationships, while maintaining strong ethical boundaries

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications| Center Education Coach

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• CLASS™ (Classroom Assessment Scoring System™) trained and certified per Head Start guidance or ability to become trained and certified within 6 months of hire
• 2 years’ experience teaching in an early childhood program
• Demonstrated ability to manage the classroom and work well under pressure
• Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
• Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
• Prepare quality well-written documents, reports, and correspondence
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks, requests, and projects and meet deadlines
• Excellent people and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team with limited supervision; ability to take initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• Principal EC-12 certificate
• 5 years’ experience teaching in Head Start or Prekindergarten program or with similar learning readiness programs in a public school
• Experience with educational program administration and management
• Strong working knowledge and experience with educational inclusion for children with disabilities
• Working knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety requirements according to Head Start and state licensing
• Bilingual in English and Spanish; fluent in written and conversational communication, highly preferred (based on service area and service population)

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires extensive standing, sitting, squatting, extensive computer time, and travel
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.
AgreementThe statements herein indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of the job and may request the employee to perform other duties and responsibilities not listed at his/her discretion. This job description is not a contract between the employee occupying the position and the employer. Upbring is an at-will employer. Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status