Early Learning Specialist - Coach

Educational Service District 105•Yakima, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Specialist Coach provides instructional coaching, mentoring, professional development, and technical assistance to early learning educators to strengthen teaching practices, classroom management, and high-quality learning environments. The position supports inclusive early childhood education by coordinating special services, facilitating individualized supports for children with developmental or learning needs, and collaborating with educators, specialists, and community partners to promote children’s participation and development. Through classroom observations, reflective coaching, evidence-based practices, and data-informed strategies, the Specialist Coach builds educator capacity, supports program quality, and advances continuous improvement across early learning settings. The role includes supporting ECEAP Performance Standards, approved curricula, child assessment practices, individualized supports, and coordination of developmental services. It also requires accurate and confidential documentation, participation in program monitoring and quality improvement, and regular regional travel throughout the ESD 105 region. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may substitute, as determined by ESD 105.
At least three years of professional experience in early childhood education, including developmentally appropriate curricula, instructional planning, classroom management, and support for young children’s developmental needs in preschool or other early learning settings.
Experience providing instructional coaching, mentoring, professional development, or technical assistance to early learning educators.
Experience supporting inclusion of children with developmental delays, disabilities, or other special learning needs, including collaboration on IFSPs, IEPs, or comparable individualized supports.
Experience applying culturally responsive, inclusive, and evidence-based instructional practices for children with diverse developmental, behavioral, linguistic, and social-emotional needs.
Experience conducting classroom observations, reviewing child assessment information, and using data to identify instructional needs and support continuous improvement.
Successfully complete and maintain current Washington State DCYF background check clearance, including fingerprinting and portable background check requirements, as applicable.
Maintain an active DCYF MERIT profile, including a STARS ID and required employment and qualification records.
Provide documentation of tuberculosis testing or clearance and MMR immunization or immunity in accordance with applicable DCYF requirements.
Knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate instruction, curriculum implementation, child assessment, and positive classroom management.
Knowledge of ECEAP Performance Standards, Washington State early learning requirements, and evidence-based practices for high-quality early learning environments.
Knowledge of instructional coaching, reflective supervision, adult learning principles, and professional development strategies.
Knowledge of inclusive early childhood education, developmental screening, early intervention, special education referral processes, and individualized supports.
Knowledge of IFSPs, IEPs, and collaboration requirements for coordinating and implementing special services.
Knowledge of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive teaching practices.
Ability to coach and mentor educators, give constructive feedback, and build collaborative relationships that support professional growth.
Ability to observe classroom practices, analyze child assessment and instructional data, identify needs, and develop practical improvement strategies.
Ability to collaborate with educators, families, school districts, and service providers to coordinate referrals and individualized supports.
Ability to plan and facilitate professional development and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation, use early learning data systems, organize multiple assignments and deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, adapt coaching approaches, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate cultural responsiveness and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.
Experience providing coaching, reflective feedback, and professional development in ECEAP, Head Start, or other early childhood education programs.
Experience coordinating developmental screenings, referrals, evaluations, and individualized supports for children with special learning needs.
Experience collaborating with school districts, early intervention providers, special education personnel, and other specialists.
Experience using CLASS, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or comparable classroom observation and assessment tools.
Specialized training or credentials in early childhood instructional coaching, early childhood special education, inclusion, or evidence-based behavioral support practices.
Experience implementing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate strategies for children with diverse learning and behavioral needs.

Responsibilities

Provide instructional coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, and professional development to early learning educators.
Support implementation of ECEAP Performance Standards, approved curricula, child assessment practices, and evidence-based instructional strategies.
Conduct classroom observations; review child development and classroom assessment data; identify instructional needs; establish improvement goals; implement strategies; and evaluate progress.
Guide teaching teams in responding to children’s developmental, behavioral, linguistic, and social-emotional needs through individualized strategies, positive behavior supports, and inclusive practices.
Coordinate special services and developmental support processes, including screening follow-up, referrals, evaluations, and communication with school districts, specialists, service providers, and families.
Collaborate on implementation of IEPs, IFSPs, and other individualized strategies to promote children’s participation, development, and success.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of coaching, observations, individualized supports, special services coordination, and program requirements.
Participate in program monitoring, self-assessment, professional learning, and continuous quality improvement activities.
Collaborate with program leadership, educators, school districts, and community partners to identify needs, strengthen instructional practices, and improve program quality and child outcomes.
Perform other related duties as assigned.