General Description:

The Head Start (HS) Instructional Coach supports the development of HS teachers and instructional assistants. The Coach monitors staff compliance with Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), Head Start Program Performance Standards and state requirements related to classroom curriculum and early learning best practices for 3–5-year-olds. The Coach also mentors staff using research-based coaching strategies aligned with teacher performance goals, curriculum fidelity, teacher-child interaction assessment data (CLASS), and child assessment data.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports teachers to ensure instructional practices lead to school readiness in alignment with Virginia's Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), Head Start Program Performance Standards, and program school readiness goals, through monitoring of lesson plans, conducting classroom observations, and providing practice-based coaching
• Assists teachers in providing well-organized learning environments with developmentally appropriate schedules, lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation
• Identifies need through analysis of available data to inform the creation and facilitation of training and technical assistance in the form of individual coaching sessions, site meetings, and professional learning opportunities to support individualized learning and improve teaching practices and student outcomes
• Works in collaboration with ECE leadership to create and support annual professional development plans for teaching staff and development of annual program goals
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required
• VDOE certification with an endorsement in early/primary grades
• Minimum of three years’ experience as a lead preschool teacher with strong child outcomes; at least one year of coaching experience preferred
• Ability to obtain CLASS certification
• Experience in adult learning and ability to model best practices in an early childhood setting for diverse adult learners with different knowledge levels and skill sets
• Ability to analyze data and coach teaching staff to use data to inform instruction
• Comprehensive knowledge of research-based curricula, assessment tools, and best practices in teacher-child interaction along with VDOE standards for early childhood education
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail and ease at managing competing demands and determining priorities independently
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment; adaptable when managing multiple, shifting priorities; comfortable with ambiguity
• Proficiency in Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office
• Bilingual/fluency in Spanish preferred