Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Early Care & Education Specialist provides practice-based coaching and personalized support to teachers and program leaders who work with children ages birth through grade three, and will be responsible for conducting professional development workshops for teachers and program leaders. Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) is a professional development strategy that uses a cyclical process. This process supports teachers and leaders' use of effective teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for children. PBC occurs in the context of collaborative partnerships

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities for this position will include, but not be limited to the following:

Coaching

• Provide differentiated practice-based coaching and technical assistance to early learning centers to help them make program improvements, including assisting programs in understanding the domains and dimensions of CLASS, understanding the Louisiana Birth to Five Early Learning and Development Standards, full implementation of GOLD by Teaching Strategies; and the use of Tier 1 curricula with fidelity.
• Develop and maintain positive, supportive relationships with teachers and program leaders, working collaboratively to achieve individual and program goals.
• Provide training, observation, evaluation, consultation, modeling, and coaching, delivered both in-person and virtually, using the Practice-Based Coaching Model, developed by the National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning (NCQTL).
• Work with early childhood educators/programs to conduct classroom assessments and develop action plans based on the assessments with specific steps towards meeting their program goals and provides follow-up assessment and consultation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on Louisiana's child care licensing regulations, unified rating and improvement system, and the goals and expectations of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)
• Gather and track data used to create an individualized action plan for each teacher or leader.
• Completes all required documentation related to differentiated coaching in a timely manner.
• Completes regular reports on activities accomplished.

Professional Development and Training

• Responsible for coordinating and conducting professional development workshops and targeted trainings on various early childhood topics with special emphasis on trainings related to GOLD, CLASS, Tier 1 curriculum, and the Louisiana Birth to Five Early Learning Standards.
• Collaborate with Continuing Education and Professional Development team members to identify professional development needs of educators and leaders.
• Maintain certification as a Pathways certified trainer; Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K CLASS reliable observer, and TS GOLD inter-rater reliability.

General

• Participate in additional opportunities created by contracts or grants received from the Louisiana Department of Education, corporate and philanthropic partners.
• Other duties as assigned/required/needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood or related field; Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Family & Consumer Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a related field strongly preferred;
• A minimum of 3-5 years working with young children as an early childhood educator or instructional coach in an early childhood school or center.
• Become SmartTeach Inter Rater Reliable, CLASS certified in Infants, Toddlers and Preschool-3rd Grade and obtain Pathways Trainer Certification within 3-6 months of hire.
• Models continual improvement, demonstrates lifelong learning, and applies new learning to help all children and teachers succeed.
• Experience in writing SMART goals and creating action plans for adult learners preferred.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues, educators, and leaders, including the ability to create and nurture a professional community of adult learners.
• Ability to travel to appointments, meetings, and professional development opportunities, some which may require overnight stay.
• Ability to positively collaborate with colleagues, teachers, center/school leaders, and community partners.
• Excellent knowledge and education on developmentally appropriate practice and how young children develop and learn.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills using Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google suite to use data to inform practice.
• Experience with and ability to communicate using technology and virtual platforms (including e mail, PowerPoint, Google Drive, Zoom, etc.).
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings with Agenda for Children staff, fellow coaches, and community partners.
• Willingness to regularly travel throughout the Greater New Orleans region and southeast region of Louisiana.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Regular walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs and model behaviors for teachers.

CORE COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT MEASURES

Early Care & Education Specialist Competencies :

• Collaborative practice
• Eagerness to learn
• Reflective and inquisitive in thought and practice
• Passion for developing learners
• Flexible

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Participates in training required by the funding source and/or required by Agenda for Children, the Louisiana Department of Education, myTeachstone, or others as required.

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