DESCRIPTION

The Early Childhood Education Mentor/Coach assists in the mentoring and training of education staff to support school readiness measures and program quality. This position provides on-site coaching for Head Start Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and/or Early Head Start Teachers, and conducts classroom observations and demonstration lessons, and provides feedback to teachers to improve teacher-child interactions and curriculum implementation that supports positive child outcomes towards school readiness.
The Early Childhood Education Mentor/Coach is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.
This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures.
All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.
The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING OF EDUCATION STAFF (UP TO 30%)

• Help to facilitate large group trainings for teachers during regular professional in-service days throughout the school year.
• Assist with individualized career development and quality improvement goals for teachers

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of child development and current research-based pedagogy, curriculum resources, appropriate classroom management techniques for preschool and/or infant/toddler classrooms and reflective practices in mentor/coaching.
• Experience in conducting trainings.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Bilingual skills preferred (English/Spanish).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a diverse population.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, and the ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Early Childhood Education, or related field, such as Education, Social or Behavioral Science that must include at least 18 semester hours in Early Childhood Education; at least one course in Special Education; and a certificate from MA DEEC as a Lead Teacher Preschool and/or Lead Teacher Infant/Toddler required. A minimum of two years of experience teaching preschool children and/or infants/toddlers plus two years of supervisory experience required. CLASS reliability certification and previous Head Start experience preferred.