Early Childhood Dev Coach

Save the Children 2022•Pineville, LA

About The Position

The Early Childhood and Development Coach works with the Manager, Education and Inclusion to provide technical assistance, management, oversight, and support to Head Start and/or Early Head Start programs. The role supports effective coordination, implementation, and monitoring of education services, including research-based curricula and recognized practices in early childhood and special education. The Coach provides educational resources, training, and technical assistance to classroom staff, monitors child and teacher progress, and supports achievement of program objectives. The position consults with the Program Director and other managers to address complex issues and support compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. As a front-line representative of Save the Children, the employee helps ensure the safety and security of children and families and upholds the agency’s values of accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity. The position requires active supervision to ensure children are never left alone or unsupervised. The role includes regular classroom visits, observations, coaching, mentoring, and professional development; collaboration with staff, parents, and community partners; support for child assessment and data collection; and participation in home visits, parent conferences, and IEP or IFSP meetings as requested or needed. The position may require operating a motor vehicle to perform essential job functions. The salary range is $43,957–$47,664, with actual base salary depending on experience, credentials, internal peer salary, and other role-specific qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, equivalent coursework in early childhood education, early education teaching experience, and at least two years of relevant experience.
Experience working with infants and toddlers and/or preschool-aged children.
Experience in supervision and training.
Successful experience developing consistent, stable, and supportive relationships with very young children.
Training and experience in adult learning and using assessment data to guide coaching strategies aligned with program performance goals.
Experience with developmentally appropriate practices, child safeguarding, and effective communication with young children, parents, and staff.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Experience with program planning and supervisory techniques and practices.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with internal and external individuals and teams at all levels in providing high-quality services to children and families.
Successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including problem-solving and time-management skills.
Ability to follow established and communicated directions and take initiative.
Ability to keep required information strictly confidential.
Meet background-check requirements, including applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, and education checks, including a child abuse registry check if required by state regulations.
Pass applicable state and local health requirements after a job offer and before employment.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with applicable vehicle-safety policies if driving is required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families.
Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred for candidates in North Carolina.
Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for vacancies for which they are qualified.

Responsibilities

Work with the Manager, Education and Inclusion and Program Director to assess education staff, identify strengths and support needs, and determine who would benefit from intensive coaching.
Align teacher practices and program performance goals with school readiness objectives, curricula, and professional development approaches.
Provide intensive coaching through observations, feedback, and modeling of effective teacher practices related to program goals.
Provide other forms of research-based professional development to staff not identified as needing intensive coaching.
Establish policies so assessment results are not used alone to impose punitive actions on staff identified as needing support, and ensure staff receive time and resources to improve.
Maintain ongoing communication with the Program Director, Manager of Education and Inclusion, and other relevant staff.
Ensure classrooms and centers have adequate supplies and equipment and that schedules and activities are age- and developmentally appropriate.
Attend home visits, parent conferences, and IEP or IFSP meetings when requested or needed.
Visit all classrooms regularly, for 4–6 hours per month per site, to conduct observations, including CLASS, and provide training, technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring.
Build capacity by working directly with Head Start and Early Head Start staff, parents, and community partners to support high-quality programs.
Develop and incorporate the Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers (PITC) into curricula and parent-child activities; support consistent use of PITC in classrooms and home visits and provide strategies for young English language learners and their families.
Oversee site tracking of child screenings and assessments, child data collection, and participation in local evaluation activities.
Provide ongoing training on policies, procedures, program requirements, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Use active supervision techniques and maintain a constant state of alertness to protect children and ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised.
Complete other tasks as assigned or needed.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children policies on safe motor vehicle operation when driving is required.

Benefits

Paid time off, including 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
Competitive health care coverage for employees and their families.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option for employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan, with the company matching a portion of contributions.
Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Account options.
Agency-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Parental and adoption benefits.
Fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Health benefits and wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.