4K Coach - 60027926

Job Responsibilities

The 4K Coach is responsible for providing ongoing mentoring, coaching, monitoring, and technical assistance to providers approved for First Steps 4K. They serve as a resource for quality improvement and accountability using relationship-based principles and practices to drive improvement. 4K Coaches collaborate with First Steps 4K staff to develop and promote program accountability, instructional practices, and professional development structures which meet legislative requirements and advance best practices in early childhood education.

Maintain self-motivation and capability to deliver high-quality work. Work independently while maintaining accountability. Possess extensive knowledge of child development/early childhood pedagogy; technical assistance/mentoring skills; knowledge of early childhood classroom quality and child assessment tools. Knowledge of SC Childcare Licensing, 4K Guidelines, and SC First Steps initiatives. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel software usage. Exhibit strong problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills. Demonstrate excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; attention to detail; reliability and promptness; awareness and sensitivity to diversity; and ability to work in a team environment.

• Conduct regular coaching visits for teachers to build relationships and support the implementation of high-quality early learning curricula and best practices in First Steps 4K classrooms.
• Model effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques while offering feedback and guidance to assess instructional effectiveness with goals of improving instruction and lesson planning.
• Support teachers in integrating literacy, numeracy, social-emotional, and play-based learning.
• Oversee implementation of student assessment tools for performance and progress of skills.
• Guide teachers in using data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Conduct classroom observations to assess instructional and program effectiveness.
• Aid in collecting and analyzing data for program evaluation and improvement to share with teachers and leaders.
• Document all provider visits and provide constructive feedback to teachers and leaders while maintaining the daily and weekly completion of coaching tools for accountability to First Steps 4K.
• Monitor and track student enrollment and attendance.
• Ensure that services implemented are consistent with all goals and measures of First Steps 4K Program Guidelines, while participating as part of the 4K Team.
• Create, implement, and deliver training and professional development offerings for 4K providers, staff, and our partners.
• Partner with community organizations, including First Steps Local Partnerships, DSS Childcare Licensing, ABC-Q, CCR&R, SC Childcare Scholarships, etc., to enhance all early educational opportunities.
• Collaborate with families to support children's learning and development while helping them connect with resources to engage in their child's education.
• Assist with the recruitment of new 4K providers.
• Conduct on-site evaluations of potential new 4K providers with the 4K Team.
• Implement onboarding for approved providers.
• Provide guidance and monitoring of the classroom materials grant, and other grant opportunities as applicable.
• Support the maintenance of classroom inventories.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Required: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field.
• Preferred: Master's degree.
• Additional Requirements: Position may require overnight travel. Position requires frequent stooping and/or bending. Position requires frequent lifting: 10 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pre-K teaching experience.
• SC Early Childhood teacher certification.

Additional Comments

SC First Steps is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. SC First Steps offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) employees: Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children. Click here for additional information.

15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
Retail benefit choices*

*State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Benefits For State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Supplemental Questions

• I have read and acknowledged the above statement. YesNo
• I understand that a resume or curriculum vitae, and a cover letter are required by the agency to be considered for this position. By selecting "yes" I am confirming that I have attached all of the required documents to this application. YesNo
• Do you possess at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field? YesNo
• Please briefly describe your experience as it relates to this position.
• Are you willing to travel overnight? YesNo
• Are you able to frequently stoop and/or bend with or without an (ADA) accommodation? YesNo
• Are you able to frequently lift up to 10 lbs. with or without an (ADA) accommodation? YesNo
• How did you hear about this position? SC State Jobs Website - jobs.sc.gov
  Indeed.com
  LinkedIn.com
  A current employee
  A former employee
  Other (please specify below)
• If you answered "other" to the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below. Required Question