Head Start Child Coach

Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency•Cincinnati, OH

41d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head Start Child Coach at CHCCAA plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to expand opportunities and build self-sufficiency for our community members. This position is responsible for providing individualized, developmentally appropriate coaching and support to young children enrolled in the Head Start program. This position focuses on enhancing each child’s growth across developmental domains, with special attention to social-emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills. Working in close partnership with classroom and family support staff, the Child Coach helps children overcome developmental challenges, build self-regulation skills, and reach school readiness goals. Through direct interaction, observation, and child-centered interventions, the Child Coach plays a vital role in creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where all children can thrive. The ideal candidate will use their skills to embody our values and contribute to our vision of a thriving, self-sufficient community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work or a related field
At least three (3) years of experience working with young children in early childhood education, with direct classroom experience required
Deep understanding of child development and early learning best practices
Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and child assessment/data systems
Strong coaching, mentoring, and adult learning skills
Ability to build trusting relationships and provide constructive feedback
Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills
Ability to assess needs, develop individualized coaching plans, and monitor progress
Analytical skills - able to compile, assess and act on data
Communication – able to effectively exchange information with others through verbal, nonverbal, and written methods
Customer service - willingness and ability to provide high-quality support, assistance and solutions wherever needed
Interpersonal - can effectively interact, communicate and build positive relationships with others
Listening – active and empathetic listener with the patience to hear people out and understand their needs or concerns, even when they are under stress
Organization – able to multi-task, prioritize work and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
Problem-solving - can effectively recognize, assess and resolve issues
A valid driver's license and valid automobile insurance must be maintained.
Must have reliable Wi-Fi access to support remote work as needed.
Must pass a background screening and have a current physical

Nice To Haves

experience in a Head Start setting is preferred

Responsibilities

Promote the healthy development of young children by supporting teaching staff in implementing developmentally appropriate practices that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
Provide individualized and small-group coaching sessions with children to support growth in areas such as language, motor skills, cognitive development, and social interaction.
Use developmentally appropriate practices and play-based techniques to reinforce skills and learning objectives.
Monitor each child’s progress toward developmental milestones and support school readiness goals through direct interaction.
Build trusting, consistent relationships with children to support self-regulation, emotional expression, and resilience.
Implement individualized behavior support strategies in coordination with classroom staff and specialists.
Support children experiencing behavioral challenges by providing calming techniques, conflict resolution modeling, and emotional coaching.
Assist teachers in proactively managing challenging behaviors through observation, modeling, and feedback on effective techniques.
Collaborate with mental health staff and other specialists to support children with behavioral or emotional concerns.
Build strong, supportive relationships with family service staff, ensuring regular communication and participation in the child’s learning journey.
Partner with teachers and family service staff to understand each child’s unique needs, strengths, and background.
Share strategies and tools to reinforce developmental and emotional goals at home.
Participate in family conferences and home visits as appropriate to support a strong home-school connection.
Promote culturally responsive practices that respect and incorporate family values, languages, and traditions.
Observe children in the classroom setting to identify developmental strengths and areas for support.
Assist in the completion of developmental screenings and assessments, including social-emotional tools.
Maintain documentation of coaching sessions, progress notes, and observation records for each child served.
Collaborate with teachers to align individual child coaching with classroom learning activities.
Assist with the implementation of age-appropriate, culturally responsive curriculum.
Support inclusive classroom environments by helping children with specific needs participate fully in daily routines and learning experiences.
Introduce materials and activities that enhance developmental skill-building within the classroom setting.
Promote activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and learning through play.
Work closely with teachers, family service workers, and mental health and disabilities specialists to develop and implement individualized support plans.
Participate in case reviews, child study teams, and interdisciplinary planning meetings.
Contribute insights on child behavior and development to help guide holistic support strategies.
Engage in ongoing professional learning related to child development, trauma-informed care, positive behavior support, and early childhood intervention.
Stay up to date on Head Start Performance Standards and best practices in early childhood coaching.