Early Childhood Mentor Teacher
Mentor Teacher Overview
As a Mentor Teacher at Child Start, you'll play a vital role in shaping the future of early childhood education by supporting and inspiring teaching teams every day. More than a classroom leader, you'll serve as a trusted coach, role model, and instructional expert, helping educators build the skills and confidence needed to create exceptional learning experiences for young children.
Responsibilities
Model high-quality teaching techniques, including effective transitions, positive behavior management, and the implementation of the current Child Start curriculums.
Spend approximately 70% of weekly hours in the classroom working with teachers.
Assist teaching teams in lesson planning and the intentional use of data from child assessments (e.g., AIM) to individualize instruction.
Reviews, monitors and approves all lesson plans to ensure they meet requirements outlined in Head Start Performance Standards, KDHE guidelines, and program policies and/or procedures.
Provide feedback as needed. Review and approve curriculum cart for each classroom.
Act as the primary guide for new hires at the center, ensuring they understand classroom routines, safety protocols, and Head Start philosophies.
Ensure classrooms maintain "audit-ready" status regarding health, safety, and education standards at all times.
Conduct regular and unannounced classroom observations and monitoring. Provide feedback, guidance, and technical assistance to teaching staff to strengthen instructional practices and classroom management.
Support communication and collaboration between staff, families, and community partners.
Coordinate with Center Supervisor and Site Coach regarding ongoing needs for each classroom.
Requirements
Associate's degree in Education, child development or a related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.
Minimum of two years of experience in early childhood education / Head Start / EHS environment.
Thorough understanding of the Head Start/Early Head Start program model; regulations and standards in early child development; teaching strategies; and the critical contributing components of a high quality-learning environment for infants and toddlers, as well as preschoolers.
Must attain and maintain CLASS reliability certification after 6 months in position.
Data-analysis skills; ability to translate data into actionable program improvements.
Excellent interpersonal/communication skills; ability to collaborate, model best practices and mentor.
Leadership style that supports managers, teachers and center supervisors.
Requires a high level of confidentiality and flexibility.
Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits
The Child Start Mentor Teacher is $22.03/hour, 40 hours/week and 52 weeks/year. Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and much more!
Pay and Schedule
The Child Start Mentor Teacher is $22.03/hour, 40 hours/week and 52 weeks/year.
Benefits
Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and much more!
Qualifications
Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.
Compliance
In compliance with KDHE requirements, Child Start will request proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity during the employment process.