Mentor Coach

About the Role

Responsible for observing and assessing classroom activities in a Head Start program and providing on-the-job guidance and training to Head Start 3-5 program staff. The role aims to improve staff qualifications, maintain high-quality education services, and promote career development in Head Start programs using the Practice Based Coaching model. The Mentor/Coach aligns guidance with teaching practices identified by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).

Responsibilities

• Participate in the on-boarding process of new educators by conducting one-on-one training, classroom observations, and visits within the first week.
• Recognize and build on existing strengths of educators to foster positive, reflective mentor/coaching relationships.
• Adapt to diverse learning styles and conduct CLASS observations for newly hired staff.
• Create a Professional Development Plan with educators based on CLASS observations, using the Early Learning Outcomes Framework and School Readiness Goals.
• Collaborate with program staff to prioritize training and technical assistance based on mentoring needs.
• Work with Mental Health and Disabilities Content Area Leads/Specialists to support children with disabilities and/or behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Implement Practice Based Coaching through modeling, focused observation, shadowing, video observation, reflective feedback, and other training.
• Ensure each assigned educator receives mentor/coaching 1-3 times a month to review observation outcomes and develop strategies for improvement.
• Improve teaching practices within CLASS domains: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
• Maintain performance standards, minimum standards, program standards, and developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom.
• Maintain documentation for Practice Based Coaching, including Professional Development Plans, meeting notes, and monthly tracking.
• Assist in conducting annual community assessments of education services and participate in program-wide self-assessments.
• Guide the development of annual quantitative and qualitative goals and objectives for education services in the Head Start Program.
• Travel to assigned classrooms and attend in-service trainings, seminars, and meetings.
• Promote and maintain confidentiality in the mentor/coachee relationship.
• Support educators in obtaining necessary credentialing as part of the Professional Development Plan.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Lead Mentor/Coach.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate Degree in childhood education or a related field.
• Three years’ experience in a licensed center or public school setting (elementary school or lower).
• CLASS Reliable certification, maintained yearly.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must pass PRS background check and an annual physical.
• Pediatric CPR & First Aid certification within 30 days of employment.
• Understanding of CPS reporting system, signs, and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
• Intermediate computer skills, including internet and email.
• Ability to work in an office setting.

Skills

• Knowledge of Head Start Procedure Standards, Parent, Family and Community Engagement framework, and School Readiness Goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in data processing methods, information storage, Head Start Performance Standards, and information retrieval techniques.

Physical Requirements

Able to perform the following physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Critical sensory requirements: general vision, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to hear, speak, and give directions clearly.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 10 lbs., and occasionally up to 25 pounds.