Mentor Coach

About the Role

Responsible for observing and assessing the classroom activities of a Head Start program and providing on-the-job guidance and training to the Head Start 3-5 program staff to improve qualifications, maintain high-quality education service, and promote career development in Head Start programs. Utilizing the Practice Based Coaching model, the Mentor/Coach assists educators in implementing and measurably improving high-quality teaching practices aligned with the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).

Responsibilities

• Participate in the on-boarding process of new educators by conducting one-on-one training and classroom observations, including visits within the first week in the classroom setting.
• Recognize existing strengths of educators and build positive, reflective mentor/coaching relationships while adapting to diverse learning styles.
• Conduct CLASS observations for newly hired staff and create a Professional Development Plan using the Early Learning Outcomes Framework and School Readiness Goals to improve classroom skills.
• Collaborate with program staff to prioritize training and technical assistance based on mentoring needs.
• Work with Mental Health and Disabilities Content Area Lead/Specialists to provide mentor/coaching support for children with disabilities and/or behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Implement Practice Based Coaching through modeling effective teaching practices, 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, classroom management, and strategies to improve teaching practices.
• Improve teaching practices within the CLASS domains of Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
• Maintain Practice Based Coaching documentation, including Professional Development Plans, meeting and observation notes, and monthly tracking of activities.
• Assist in conducting an annual community assessment of education services and participate in the program-wide self-assessment.
• 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 other assigned meetings.
• Promote and maintain confidentiality in the mentor/coach and coachee relationship.
• Support educators in obtaining necessary credentialing as part of the Professional Development Plan, participate in, and facilitate training and technical assistance.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Lead Mentor/Coach.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate Degree in childhood education or a related field.
• Three years’ experience in either a licensed center or a public school setting at a grade level no higher than elementary school.
• CLASS Reliable and maintain certification yearly.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must pass PRS background check and an annual physical.
• Must be Pediatric CPR & First Aid certified within 30 days of employment.
• Demonstrate 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.

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

• Critical sensory requirements include general vision; specific vision abilities such as close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Able to hear or listen in the normal range (corrected) and speak clearly to give directions.
• Able to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

About the Organization

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) is a private non-profit organization established in 1971 and funded through federal, state, and local grants. CACOST serves 16 counties via a wide variety of community programs and services, focusing on improving the lives of South Texans by providing high-quality health care, education, housing, and economic opportunities to reduce poverty through services and partnerships.