Classroom and Coaching Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Do you love early childhood and working with young children and families? Are you looking to coach classroom staff in a high-quality early childhood program that makes a difference in the lives of children and families in need? We have a great opportunity for you! We currently have a Classroom and Coaching Specialist role that coaches, mentors, and supports Head Start classroom staff in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. This position is 10 month salaried position is eligible for sick, vacation, health benefits, retirement options and 14 paid holidays. If you are passionate about Early Childhood Education and supporting children and families in their school readiness, we want you to apply with us!

1.0 FTE (40 hours/week) from August 1 to June 15

SUMMARY

The Classroom and Coaching Specialist will provide mentoring to classroom staff through guidance, coaching, modeling, training, support, and information in the following areas CLASS, Teaching Strategies Gold, Classroom management, Creative Curriculum planning/lesson plans, Classroom set up, Transitions, Conscious Discipline, School Readiness Goals, and other teaching practices chosen by the coachee. This position works closely with the classroom staff and Education Supervisor to coordinate classroom-related activities that supports the professional development of staff and contributes to successful child outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the American Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coach, support and lead classroom staff on data-based decision-making that will raise school readiness skills, increase teacher effectiveness, promote practices and share resources to ensure that skill-building and knowledge is integrated into the entire classroom.
• Provide intensive coaching/mentoring to all teaching staff and follow the Practice Based Coaching (PBC) model.
• Document coaching meetings, observations, resources, reflections, etc. in Child Plus.
• Plans with Education Supervisors to ensure lesson plans meet the goals of Creative Curriculum and are consistent with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Work within the classroom setting to model best practices, activities and teaching strategies for classroom staff that facilitate the development of young children.
• Works with Education team to propose, plan and deliver professional development opportunities for classroom staff.
• Conduct CLASS observations using the CLASS Reliability tool.
• Create and update program needs assessment for teaching staff based on CLASS data, child outcomes, and Conscious Discipline
• Lead individual, classroom, and group coaching based on the needs assessment of the program and classroom staff.
• Adhere to established curriculum and daily schedules at each classroom to maintain the highest quality programming and stable classroom environment for children in the absence of their regular classroom staff when needed.
• Works with Education team and component staff to link data and evaluation findings to teaching strategies and program operations.
• Be prepared with developmentally appropriate transitions, child management strategies, and ideas for activities that work well across interest and differing developmental levels of children 3 to 5 years, including children with disabilities.
• Easily adapt to a variety of environments, daily schedules and personalities.
• Recognize and respect the differences in approaches to teaching, classroom schedules and other variables that exist from classroom to classroom.
• Actively participates in all other required meetings and trainings for the program.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external programs and partners.
• Attends regular staff and child recruitment events (some nights and weekends required).
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Education Coordinator.

MISSION DRIVEN COMPETENCIES

• Fostering Teamwork
• Continuous Improvement
• Communication
• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Customer Centered
• Analytical Thinking
• Use of Technology and Information management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor’s Degree in early education or related baccalaureate degree with equivalent coursework in Early Childhood education. Three years’ experience as a teacher in an early childhood program. Previous coaching experience preferred but not required. Experience working with low-income families. Experience with adult learning and teacher skill development.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License, proof of insurance and review of Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office and classroom environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Mobility to drive a motor vehicle in order to attend meetings. A job is in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY: Scott, Carver, Dakota CAP Agency will not deny anyone the opportunities for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual preference, disability or status with regard to public assistance.

The Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce