What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Specialist/Instructional Coach position at NEMCSA?
About Us:
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Inc. (NEMCSA) is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency, whose Mission is to provide quality programs and services to strengthen and enhance the self-sufficiency of individuals, families and communities through the best use of human and financial resources, focusing on those who are experiencing an economic hardship.
What You'll Do:
The Early Childhood Specialist/Instructional Coach is responsible for providing evaluations and observations to the GSRP funded programs to ensure full compliance with the GSRP Implementation Manual. The Early Childhood Specialist reports to the Education Supervisor as assigned. The Early Childhood Specialist/Instructional Coach will carry a reduced coaching caseload. In the Instructional Coaching role, they will work in planning, coordination, and implementation of the education program. This person utilizes a research based coaching strategy which entails goal setting, mentoring, classroom observation, reflection, and feedback to teaching staff. Focuses on individual and group professional learning that will expand and refine teachers’ understanding of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, School Readiness Goals, CLASS, and approved Early Childhood Curriculum.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties as related to the job may be assigned.
- Collaborate with Managers, teaching teams, instructional coaches, and other Early Childhood Specialists on an on-going basis
- On-going program evaluations using the CLASS assessment tool
- Provide observation, feedback, recommendations for professional development and follow-up.
- Working with the teaching teams to create meaningful program quality improvement goals and objectives using the appropriate child assessment tools.
- Using the appropriate child assessment tools, works with the teaching teams to create meaningful child development goals.
- Monthly coaching and support for teaching teams.
- Facilitation of professional development and trainings.
- Support and engage education staff identified for intensive, moderate, and mild coaching.
- Model effective teaching practices in early childhood education settings.
- Offer support, guidance and ideas to Managers and staff to improve teaching strategies utilizing a research based coaching strategy.
- Use adult learning principles and assessment data to drive individualized Practice Based Coaching strategies that are aligned with program performance goals.
- Coordinate and ensure quality communication between education staff, mental health staff and supervisors.
- Communicate effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback and being an active listener.
- Facilitate the development of PBC Action Plans for assigned staff and mentor staff toward goal achievement.
- Complete additional training as required by continuing education plan.
- Build a trusting, supportive relationship with classroom teachers and home visitors to ensure successful coaching.
- Assist in developing shared goals and plans with each teacher based on needs that both the teacher and coach have identified and agreed upon.
- Respect and support /program staff by being punctual and, when possible, aiding as requested.
- Utilize videotaping only as a learning tool and a means for reflection.
- Provide support by sharing resources, providing modeling of effective teaching practices, observing current practices, and providing supportive and constructive feedback.
- Complete required documentation of relevant activities and progress; submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in regional area management meetings to ensure the needs of children and families are being met, as requested.
- Interpret and analyze reports from ChildPlus, TS Gold, eDECA, and CLASS.
- Develop technology skills and use software programs, as requested.
- Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of the GSRP Implementation Manual, Head Start Performance Standards, Childcare Licensing.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
