Preschool Mentor Coach (39632)

About the role

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. The Mentor Coach provides on-site coaching for Head Start teachers and Teacher Assistants, conducting classroom observations, demonstration lessons, and providing feedback. The role involves analyzing child outcomes data and coaching teachers to improve teacher-child interactions and child outcomes toward school readiness. The Mentor Coach assists in developing and updating classroom programs and procedures for instructional outcomes, curriculum implementation, child assessment, and cultural and linguistic responsiveness, provides technical assistance to teaching staff and Center Directors, analyzes data from the CLASS observation tool, supports staff professional development through trainings designed to improve evidence-based teaching practices, and participates in HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts. The schedule is Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and document provisions and progressions in Early Childhood Education and School Readiness
• Provide initial and ongoing training and technical assistance to Head Start staff regarding program philosophy, policies, procedures, curriculum, and other topics to ensure uniform delivery of quality services
• Collaborate with the Early Childhood Education Supervisor and field staff to develop and evaluate program goals and objectives
• Monitor implementation of a developmentally and linguistically appropriate approach to child development and education
• Maintain reliability in the CLASS assessment tool
• Design classroom assessment plans for ongoing program improvement
• Design and implement staff trainings to address continuous improvement in child readiness outcomes based on classroom data, current research, and comprehensive programming needs
• Provide input and recommendations on staff performance to Center Directors, Early Childhood Education Manager, and other management for performance appraisal and corrective action
• Facilitate and coordinate meetings and trainings as assigned or in coordination with the Early Childhood Education Supervisor and ECE Supervisor/VPK
• Interpret and apply written program policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
• Complete monthly monitoring reports for assigned sites and submit as prescribed
• Submit written monthly work activities and reports to the Director of Curriculum & Instruction
• Develop and maintain schedules for on-site visitations
• Attend all workshops, meetings, staff meetings, and parent meetings as deemed necessary by the Director
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding HS/EHS children, families, and staff per established policies
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

• Baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college/university with a major in Early Childhood Education, Social or Behavioral Science, or Education, including at least 18 semester hours in Early Childhood Education
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Pre-Schoolers or Infant/Toddlers Course
• Certificate of Completion of a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course OR certificates totaling 30 hours including: 6 hours Child Growth and Development; 6 hours Behavioral Observation & Screening; 8 hours Health, Safety & Nutrition; 4 hours Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; 6 hours Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Special Needs Course
• State of Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential or eligibility to obtain credential
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver License
• Must be 21 years of age

Note: Timeline for completion of the 45 hours depends on the candidate's date of entering the childcare industry; must enroll within 90 days and complete within 12 months, not to exceed 15 months total.

Experience

• Two years of experience teaching pre-school or kindergarten age children
• Two years of supervisory experience
• Some experience in financial management and budgeting preferred
• Previous Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred

Certifications & Clearances

• Preschool CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) Certification within 6 months of hire; maintain certification/reliability renewals annually
• Infant/Toddler CLASS Certification within 6 months of hire; maintain certification/reliability renewals annually (if applicable)
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within six months of assignment to this position
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening and drug screening prior to hiring

Language

• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area

Skills

• Knowledge of child development and current research-based pedagogy, curriculum resources, appropriate classroom management techniques for preschool classrooms, and reflective practice mentor/coaching strategies
• Knowledge of HS/EHS performance standards
• Knowledge of local customs, cultures, languages, and resources
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques
• Math skills to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages, and overtime
• Computer skills to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets, and other mathematical reports
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make recommendations, and develop implementation strategies
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret agency, federal, and state laws pertaining to the program
• Ability to speak before groups and lead employees and volunteers
• Ability to plan and direct activities to write goals and objectives
• Ability to utilize agency resources and technology to answer questions and provide guidance to staff and parents
• Ability to train and provide presentations to large and small groups
• Ability to collaborate with and have working knowledge of local community resources
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Sustained concentration, attention to detail, and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines
• Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of ECERS, CLASS, Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies
• Demonstrated competence in ECE instructional methodologies; experience working in a multi-cultural setting
• Ability to observe, document, and analyze data to support recommendations for goals, objectives, and additional training for classroom teachers and assistants
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with children and parents
• Ability to travel to assigned classrooms
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail; ability to meet designated deadlines

Principal Accountabilities

• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff
• Cost-effective program operations
• Adherence to agency policies and management practices
• Effective staff management and leadership

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday (Note: Head Start employees' paid time off and holiday schedule may differ)
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days per year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule

Monday through Friday