Early Childhood Coach & Trainer -Special Projects

About the role

The Early Childhood Coach is a field-based professional responsible for supporting licensed child care programs through individualized coaching, consultation, technical assistance, and professional development. Working collaboratively with family child care providers, center-based programs, school-age programs, and community partners, this position strengthens program quality through evidence-based coaching practices, high-quality professional development, and quality improvement initiatives using evidence-based coaching practices, including Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) and Facilitated Attuned Interactions (FAN). The coach assists programs in strengthening instructional practices, improving learning environments, advancing Maryland EXCELS quality ratings, pursuing accreditation, and implementing state and local quality initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support child care centers in advancing their quality ratings through Maryland EXCELS, provide technical assistance to programs pursuing accreditation, and deliver coaching and quality improvement services that strengthen early childhood education programs and enhance outcomes for children and families.
• Plan and conduct on-site and virtual coaching visits, observations, reflective conversations, and Communities of Practice, focused on identified needs, quality initiative programs, and other programs and topics utilizing virtual platforms and in-person consultation as appropriate.
• Provide coaching services which increase the knowledge of providers, teachers, and staff to deliver high-quality, research-based, inclusive care to all children within the program.
• Support programs participating in Maryland EXCELS, accreditation, Pre-K Expansion, CDA, licensing compliance, and other quality initiatives.
• Model developmentally appropriate instructional strategies, classroom management, inclusive practices, curriculum implementation, and learning environment design.
• Deliver high-quality professional development, workshops, Communities of Practice, and parent education that align with MSDE Core of Knowledge requirements and support the professional growth of the early childhood workforce.
• Develop, update, and facilitate engaging training content using adult learning principles and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with providers, community organizations, and state and local partners.
• Maintain accurate documentation within required data management systems and complete reports within established timelines.
• Assist with outreach activities, conferences, special events, newsletters, and recruitment efforts.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including all Training of the Trainer opportunities, and maintain trainer and coach certifications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, special education, child development, or closely related field.
• Completion of a 3-credit (45 clock hour) course in Child Development and completion of a 3-credit (45 clock hour) course on Curriculum/Methods and Materials for Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and/or School-Age.
• 5 years’ experience in an early childhood education program, licensed child care (center and/or family child care), school-age child care, Head Start/Early Head Start, or PreK education setting.

Skills

• Strong verbal, writing, and organizational skills.
• Experience using data management systems to document services, monitor progress, and generate reports.
• Knowledge of Maryland child care delivery system.
• Ability to communicate effectively with child care providers, peers, and other professionals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Canva, and other technology platforms used for coaching and professional development.
• Ability to work independently and travel throughout Baltimore City.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Excellent relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to analyze program quality and develop improvement strategies.
• Strong project and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Schedule

While normal business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this position is primarily field-based and requires travel throughout Baltimore City as well as time in the office. Evening and occasional Saturday hours are required to facilitate professional development and community engagement activities. Work schedules are adjusted to maintain a standard 35-hour work week.