Lead Educator

Regina Coeli Child Development Center

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Educator provides high-quality coaching, mentoring, guided reflection, and modeling to Head Start and Early Head Start classroom staff. The Lead Educator supports best practices related to early learning, classroom quality, and the development of young children. A core responsibility of this role is to promote and ensure child health and safety in all learning environments, helping staff maintain physical and emotional well-being for children. The Lead Educator ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, RCCDC policies, and applicable licensing regulations, including areas such as behavior management, hygiene practices, classroom safety, emergency preparedness, and supervision procedures.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Child Development or a related field
Four years of Early Childhood Education teaching experience
Ability to obtain CLASS Observer Certification
Experience with Curriculum implementation and assessment systems
Knowledge of Child Health & Safety Standards, Early Childhood Education and Developmentally Appropriate Practices, including Conscious Discipline and positive behavior support
Effective classroom management and instructional planning
Knowledge of early childhood education principles and developmentally appropriate practices
Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards, Louisiana Bulletin 137, and RCCDC policies
Experience with behavior guidance strategies, such as Conscious Discipline
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic data systems, and communication platforms
Effective coaching, leading, mentoring, and adult learning facilitation skills
Ability to navigate and resolve stressful or sensitive situations professionally and with emotional intelligence
Understanding of child development
Obtain a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check Determination of Eligibility
Pass a physical examination every three years
Maintain a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record
Be physically able to: Sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Sit on the floor and engage in play with children
Work in varied environments including noisy, warm, or outdoor settings
Travel for home visits, training, and between agency sites
Adhere to consistent child supervision and safety policies, even in high-stress or emergency situations
Follow procedures for documentation and response related to accidents, injuries, illnesses, and behavioral incidents

Responsibilities

Provide on-the-job coaching and classroom modeling focused on developmentally appropriate instruction and child health and safety best practices
Plan, facilitate, and model high-quality instruction aligned with program goals and curriculum standards, while developing individualized mentoring plans in partnership with Center Managers and Instruction and Invention Managers.
Promote and monitor safe, healthy classroom environments
Respond immediately to health, safety, or behavioral incidents using RCCDC's protocols for reporting and documentation
Coach staff in areas of: Safe behavior guidance, Emergency response (e.g., fire drills, illness isolation, shelter-in-place), Safe classroom layouts and materials organization to prevent injury
Ensure staff understand and implement child health and safety policies through ongoing professional development
Ensure compliance with RCCDC policies, licensing regulations, and Head Start standards.
Coach and mentor educators through feedback, co-teaching, observation, and professional learning.
Regularly inspect classroom and outdoor environments to identify and correct health or safety hazards
Monitor staff compliance with hygiene routines, including handwashing, diapering, toileting, food handling, and sanitization
Review incident and accident reports to ensure timely, accurate documentation and follow-up
Reinforce procedures for safe release of children to authorized individuals
Mentor teaching teams in creating emotionally safe, nurturing, and consistent environments
Guide staff in the use of positive behavior support strategies that prioritize emotional regulation and child safety
Use trauma-informed approaches, including Conscious Discipline, to de-escalate behavior and maintain a safe classroom climate
Provide coaching around supervision transitions (e.g., mealtimes, outdoor play, nap time) to reduce risk and promote child security
Conduct site visits and classroom observations to assess: Adherence to health and safety policies, Implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum, Teacher-child interactions, including CLASS-based assessments
Provide actionable feedback and support staff in meeting school readiness and safety-related goals
Design and lead staff training sessions focused on child development and child health and safety
Contribute to the development and regular review of health and safety policies and procedures
Provide families with resources and strategies to support child safety and well-being at home
Collaborate with staff and families to ensure a holistic approach to child wellness and safety
Maintain open, respectful, and confidential communication with staff and families
Promote a culture of safety, respect, and positivity across all RCCDC programs
Assist in maintaining safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environments
Encourage and help document in-kind contributions, including supplies or services that support health and safety
Attend and participate in agency-wide meetings, professional development, and emergency drills
Perform other duties as assigned, particularly those related to safety or child well-being