Early Childhood Curriculum and Instructional Coach Eleele and Lihue

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Position Type: Part-Time, approximately 20-25 hours per week

Reports To: Executive Director

Works With: Classroom Teachers, Assistant Director, and Classroom Support Staff

Hāloalaunuiākea Early Learning Center is seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable Early Childhood Curriculum & Instructional Coach to strengthen instructional quality, curriculum development, and teacher effectiveness across our early learning program.

This position is responsible for reviewing and providing meaningful feedback on weekly teacher lesson plans, conducting weekly classroom observations, coaching teachers on instructional practices, monitoring professional growth, and ensuring that curriculum and instruction are developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned, culturally grounded, and responsive to the individual learning needs of keiki.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in early childhood education, standards-based lesson planning, scaffolded curriculum development, differentiated instruction, classroom management, and Hawaiian culturally based education.

This individual must be able to identify instructional strengths and areas for improvement, provide constructive and actionable feedback, model effective teaching strategies, and support teachers in consistently improving their instructional practices.

The primary goal of this position is to build teacher capacity, strengthen curriculum quality, and improve learning experiences and developmental outcomes for all keiki.

1. Weekly Lesson Plan Review and Curriculum Oversight

• Review lesson plans submitted weekly by each classroom teacher.
• Evaluate alignment with HELDS, applicable Hawaiʻi DOE standards, kindergarten-readiness expectations, and relevant Common Core standards.
• Ensure lesson plans contain clear, measurable, developmentally appropriate learning objectives.
• Evaluate instructional sequencing and scaffolding to ensure skills build progressively over time.
• Review differentiation strategies for keiki with varying developmental levels, abilities, learning needs, and interests.
• Assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of planned activities, instructional materials, and learning assessments.
• Ensure Hawaiian language, culture, values, and place-based learning are meaningfully and accurately integrated.
• Provide specific written feedback, recommendations, and suggested revisions before lessons are implemented.
• Monitor consistency, quality, and progression of lesson planning throughout the school year.

1. Weekly Classroom Observations

• Conduct at least one scheduled classroom observation per teacher each week.
• Observe lesson delivery, instructional techniques, student engagement, classroom organization, and classroom management.
• Evaluate whether instruction aligns with submitted lesson plans and identified learning objectives.
• Assess differentiated instruction, scaffolding, questioning techniques, and teacher responsiveness to individual keiki.
• Observe classroom transitions, routines, behavior guidance, and teacher-aide collaboration.
• Document objective observations, instructional strengths, and areas requiring improvement.
• Maintain confidential observation records for each teacher.

1. Individual Teacher Coaching and Feedback

• Meet individually with each teacher following classroom observations.
• Provide specific, constructive, and actionable feedback.
• Collaboratively establish measurable instructional improvement goals.
• Support teachers in implementing recommended instructional strategies.
• Model effective teaching practices when appropriate.
• Provide resources, examples, and instructional tools to support improvement.
• Follow up on previous recommendations and document teacher progress.
• Build positive, trusting, professional relationships that encourage accountability and continuous improvement.

1. Standards-Based Curriculum Development

• Evaluate existing curriculum for developmental appropriateness, consistency, and standards alignment.
• Assist teachers in developing scaffolded instructional sequences that build foundational skills over time.
• Strengthen instruction in early literacy, phonological awareness, numeracy, writing readiness, language development, and critical thinking.
• Ensure curriculum supports social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
• Support the development of differentiated learning experiences and small-group instruction.
• Help establish consistent instructional expectations across classrooms while respecting individual teaching styles.
• Identify gaps, unnecessary repetition, and opportunities for curriculum improvement.
• Support curriculum planning that prepares keiki for a successful transition to kindergarten.

1. Hawaiian Culturally Based Education

• Support meaningful integration of Hawaiian language, culture, values, and traditions throughout classroom instruction.
• Assist teachers in developing culturally grounded and place-based learning experiences.
• Ensure Hawaiian cultural instruction is age-appropriate, respectful, and accurate.
• Help teachers connect cultural learning to broader developmental and academic objectives.
• Collaborate with appropriate cultural practitioners and resources when specialized knowledge is needed.

1. Teacher Progress Monitoring and Documentation

• Maintain an organized record of weekly lesson plan reviews, classroom observations, and coaching sessions.
• Track each teacher's instructional strengths, challenges, goals, and progress.
• Monitor whether previous recommendations have been implemented.
• Identify recurring instructional concerns and professional development needs.
• Prepare monthly teacher progress summaries for the Executive Director.
• Recommend individualized professional development opportunities and instructional support.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all teacher evaluation and coaching records.

1. Professional Development and Instructional Support

• Identify common instructional needs across classrooms.
• Recommend or facilitate professional development in curriculum planning, differentiation, scaffolding, assessment, classroom management, and culturally responsive instruction.
• Develop sample lesson plans, instructional tools, and curriculum resources when needed.
• Encourage teacher reflection, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Support continuous improvement and consistency in teaching quality.

The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional knowledge of early childhood instructional practices, strong attention to detail, professional integrity, and the ability to translate educational standards into practical classroom strategies.

This position requires someone who can recognize what effective teaching looks like, clearly explain where improvements are needed, and guide teachers toward measurable professional growth.

The Instructional Coach must be comfortable providing direct, constructive feedback while remaining supportive, respectful, and solutions-oriented.

The position is focused on instructional improvement and professional development. Formal employee discipline, personnel decisions, and administrative supervision remain the responsibility of the Executive Director and designated administration.

• Consistently high-quality, standards-aligned weekly lesson plans.
• Stronger instructional sequencing and curriculum continuity.
• Improved differentiation and responsiveness to individual keiki.
• More effective classroom management and student engagement.
• Meaningful integration of Hawaiian culture and language.
• Documented growth in each teacher's instructional practices.
• Greater consistency in educational quality across classrooms.
• Stronger kindergarten readiness and developmental support for keiki.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a closely related field.
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience, including substantial early childhood or early elementary experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in standards-based lesson planning and curriculum development.
• Strong understanding of HELDS, Hawaiʻi DOE standards, and Common Core kindergarten expectations.
• Advanced knowledge of differentiated instruction, scaffolded learning, child development, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Experience conducting classroom observations, providing instructional feedback, or mentoring teachers.
• Strong understanding of formative assessment and the use of student learning data to inform instruction.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian culturally based and place-based educational practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide honest, constructive feedback while maintaining positive professional relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain detailed confidential records.
• Ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines.

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience as an instructional coach, curriculum specialist, mentor teacher, or educational consultant.
• Hawaiʻi teaching license or equivalent relevant professional credentials.
• Experience developing preschool-to-kindergarten curriculum progressions.
• Experience supporting teachers through individualized professional development plans.
• Knowledge of NAEYC and NECPA accreditation standards.
• Experience with culturally responsive and Native Hawaiian education.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development