POSITION DESCRIPTION

Mentor Coach

Department: Head Start

Location: Juneau

Covered Position: Yes

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade(s): 8-9 ($27.51+ DOE)

Purpose: Responsible for enhancing staff performance and professional growth through strategic coaching, mentoring, observations and training initiatives. This role supports continuous improvement and learning, ensuring alignment with Head Start Program Performance Standards and best practices throughout the classroom.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Assist with developing and implementing a formalized approach to staff training and development by offering teacher training in the classroom and emphasizing excellence in daily practice
• Develop and maintain a schedule for classroom observations
• Build trust and develop non-judgmental relationships with HS teachers and volunteers
• Assess education staff to identify strengths and areas of needed support
• Provide opportunities for intensive coaching, including opportunities to observe, provided feedback and model effective practices related to program performance goals
• Individualize support to teaching staff and volunteers to best meet the needs of children and their families
• Support teacher and school readiness goals, objectives and learning styles; analyze the nature, extent and duration of identified training needs
• Provide constructive feedback and support, to include modeling, co-teaching, observing, providing reading materials or other resources as needed
• Assist in the development and implementation of program policies and procedures
• Meet with teachers using contemplative methods of support and feedback
• Provide written and verbal feedback to staff following coaching or training sessions
• Collect, document and analyze data, prepare and maintain reports
• Monitor and evaluate system reports for trends, including CACFP site review, monthly reporting requirements and/or training needs for teachers
• Monitor child outcomes in relation to school readiness goals
• Attend and/or conduct required meetings, pre-service and other training as directed
• Provide formal and/or informal learning opportunities to staff or parents
• Collaborate with HS administrative team to ensure the completion of annual program projects
• Develop and help maintain annual professional development plans in collaboration with leadership.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify staff strengths and areas for improvement.
• Apply developmentally appropriate practices for young children in classroom and playground settings
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex information from multiple sources.
• Ability to defuse emotionally charged situations in a respectful manner.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Be honest, reliable and dependable.
• Respect and maintain the rights and privacy of all staff, parent, and children.
• Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Knowledge of, and ability to stay current with, Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and Classroom Assessment Scoring System
• Able to accommodate individuality and exhibit a flexible approach based on goals and available resources
• Ability to work independently and work a flexible schedule
• Familiarity with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Early Education or closely related
• Two years related experience
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native cultures, traditions, and history.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• Three years experience as a preschool teacher with an early childhood program that also offered parent/adult training opportunities

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Frequent classroom setting visits that require kneeling, bending at waist and neck, and sitting on floor also frequent getting up and down from seat to assist children on bus in classroom
• Flexible hours may be required, including evenings and weekends for events and workshops.
• Some travel may be required on small aircraft or ferry.
• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.