The Mentor Coach supports early childhood education staff in providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that align with Head Start's performance standards. This role includes guiding, training, and mentoring educators to enhance teaching practices, foster child development, and ensure program goals are met. The Mentor Coach collaborates with the Education Manager, site leadership, and teaching staff to drive continuous improvement in instructional quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide Coaching and Mentorship

Conduct regular classroom observations to assess instructional strategies, learning environments, and teacher-child interactions.

Use evidence-based coaching strategies to support teaching staff in implementing effective, developmentally appropriate practices.

Develop individual professional development plans with teaching staff and monitor progress.

Training and Development

Facilitate group and one-on-one training sessions based on staff needs, including curriculum implementation, classroom management, and child assessment.

Collaborate with the Training and Professional Development Coordinator to plan and conduct workshops and ongoing training.

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of coaching activities, observations, and feedback sessions.

Prepare reports on coaching progress, teacher improvement, and classroom outcomes for review by the Education Manager.

Document professional development activities and compliance with Head Start performance standards.

Collaboration and Team Building

Work with Regional Education, Nutrition, and ERSEA Managers to align coaching activities with program goals.

Foster a supportive environment where teachers feel comfortable sharing challenges and successes.

Child and Family Engagement

Support teaching staff in developing inclusive classroom practices that promote child engagement and respect for family culture.

Encourage educators to engage families in their child's education and development.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, preferably within a Head Start program.

Prior experience in a coaching, mentoring, or supervisory role is strongly preferred.

Skills:

In-depth knowledge of early childhood education principles, Head Start standards, and child assessment tools.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Certifications:

Must have or obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification.

Professional development or coaching certification is a plus.

Physical Demands:

Ability to travel to multiple Head Start sites as required.

Occasional lifting of educational materials and equipment (up to 25 pounds).

Work Environment:

This role operates in a professional environment within Head Start classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces. Regular site visits are required, along with participation in training sessions that may occur outside regular hours