Smart Start of Mecklenburg County - MECK Pre-K Success Coach

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions•Charlotte, NC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The MECK Pre-K Success Coach works with childcare center administrators, the MECK Pre-K Curriculum and Teacher Support Manager, and all MECK Pre-K Support staff to provide direct support and leadership to MECK Pre-K teachers. This role focuses on ensuring adherence to state and county standards in high-quality, early childhood instruction. The Success Coach acts as a resource for teachers, ensuring all program services meet MECK Pre-K classroom policies, specifically in the implementation of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies GOLD. The organization, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC), is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young children (birth to five) and their families in Mecklenburg County by focusing on health, family, early education, and literacy. SSMC funds numerous programs, administers the MECK Pre-K program, and leads research and collaboration on early childhood issues.

Requirements

Minimum of BA/BS degree in early childhood education or related field.
North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten (BK) or Pre-K Add-on Professional Teaching License (SP II / Continuing License).
Five years as a successful lead teacher in a Pre-K age classroom using the Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG).
Three to five years of increasingly responsible and progressive leadership experience in early education programs, including direct experience with young children combined with training, mentoring or providing TA to teachers.
Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
CLASS Pre-K Certification desired.
Experience with Teacher Evaluation and CLASS desired.

Responsibilities

Support the philosophy and vision of SSMC and MECK Pre-K program.
Model and set a high standard of evidence-based instructional practices aligned to State and MECK Pre-K Program policies and procedures.
Conduct regular site visits to observe teacher-student interactions and classroom instruction, providing specific feedback and instructional recommendations.
Assess and support the needs of assigned teachers, serving as a resource to the teaching team and Site Administrator.
Guide teachers in developmentally appropriate content pedagogy, learning environments, planning and assessment, instructional strategies, reflective practices, and effective family/community/school relationships.
Guide teachers in implementing evidence-based practices for addressing the needs of children with unique learning needs, including challenging behavior.
Collaborate with other Success Coaches and MECK Pre-K Support Team to arrange professional development opportunities that support teachers' needs.
Participate in appropriate professional groups and committees.
Seek consultation from the MECK Pre-K Support Team and/or external agencies as needed.
Attend required professional development, including CLASS certification, Teachstone Training Modules, Teaching Strategies (Curriculum & GOLD), UNCC-EESLPD Orientation, and Teacher Evaluation training.
Review, analyze, and interpret data from CLASS assessments and Teaching Strategies fidelity tool to ensure fidelity in implementation of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold.
Conduct CLASS™ observations in assigned MECK Pre-K classrooms where they do not coach the teacher.
Provide onsite embedded professional development through side-by-side coaching techniques.
Assist teachers in aligning their teaching practices with appropriate standards, curriculum, and assessments (CLASS, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD).
Coordinate/collaborate with partner agency staff providing Technical Assistance (TA) to assigned teachers and/or classrooms.
Conduct regular conferences with new teachers, teacher assistants, and Site Administrators.
Encourage teachers to join and attend Pre-K PLC meetings.
Conduct classroom inventory assessments when new classrooms open.
Make recommendations to the MECK Pre-K Curriculum and Teacher Support Manager for ordering materials based on assessment results.
Work collaboratively with site administrators, lead teachers, assistant teachers, MECK Pre-K staff, and others to promote a high-quality early learning setting.
Communicate orally and in writing with internal staff and external partners about MECK Pre-K Program coaching & support services.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with families, school personnel, and the community.
Maintain contact logs documenting teacher observations, strategies, and other related activities.
Document monthly reports of coaching by site and classroom through an online tracking system.
Submit all appropriate documentation to childcare center Administrators and MECK Pre-K Curriculum and Teacher Support Manager.
Offer feedback to the MECK Pre-K Curriculum and Teacher Support Manager and MECK Pre-K Support Team about general teaching practices, teacher support, and specific challenges or trends observed.