Early Childhood Teaching Coach Child Care Program

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Teaching Coach supports teachers in delivering high-quality early childhood education through instructional coaching, classroom observations, mentoring, and professional development. The Teaching Coach works collaboratively with classroom staff to strengthen teaching practices, improve curriculum implementation, enhance classroom environments, and support child assessment practices.

This position focuses on building teacher capacity by providing individualized coaching, modeling effective instructional strategies, analyzing classroom data, and supporting continuous quality improvement. The Teaching Coach promotes developmentally appropriate practices while ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania DHS regulations, Keystone STARS, and PA Pre-K Counts requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching

• Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to lead and assistant teachers.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop individualized coaching plans based on classroom needs.
• Model effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and positive behavior guidance.
• Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate practices.

Curriculum Implementation

• Coach teachers on the effective implementation of the program's approved curriculum.
• Ensure lesson plans align with curriculum goals, Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, and children's developmental needs.
• Assist teachers in planning engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
• Monitor curriculum fidelity and provide recommendations for improvement.

Assessment Support

• Train and support teachers in administering child assessments accurately and consistently.
• Assist with interpreting assessment data to guide instruction.
• Monitor assessment completion timelines and documentation.
• Support teachers in using assessment data to individualize instruction and monitor child progress.

Classroom Quality Improvement

• Conduct classroom observations using program quality tools (e.g., CLASS, ECERS, or other approved assessment tools).
• Provide feedback to improve instructional practices and classroom environments.
• Assist with creating action plans for continuous quality improvement.
• Monitor implementation of coaching recommendations.

Professional Development

• Plan and facilitate staff training sessions and workshops.
• Support new teacher orientation and onboarding.
• Identify professional development needs and recommend training opportunities.
• Promote reflective teaching practices and continuous learning.

Collaboration & Communication

• Meet regularly with teachers to discuss goals, progress, and instructional needs.
• Collaborate with the Program Director on teacher support plans.
• Partner with families and community agencies, when appropriate, to support children's learning and development.
• Participate in staff meetings, leadership meetings, and program planning activities.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate coaching logs, observation notes, and professional development records.
• Ensure instructional practices comply with DHS regulations, Keystone STARS standards, and PA Pre-K Counts requirements.
• Assist with program monitoring visits, licensing reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field required .
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred .
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching in an early childhood education setting.
• Demonstrated experience implementing an evidence-based early childhood curriculum.
• Experience administering and interpreting early childhood assessments.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or leading professional development is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum implementation and lesson planning.
• Experience with child assessment tools and data-driven instruction.
• Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
• Excellent observation, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with teachers and families.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor learning environments.
• Ability to bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and engage in activities with young children.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment for documentation and training.

Performance Expectations

The Early Childhood Teaching Coach is expected to:

• Improve teacher instructional practices through ongoing coaching and mentoring.
• Increase classroom quality and curriculum fidelity.
• Support accurate implementation of child assessments.
• Promote positive learning environments and effective classroom management.
• Facilitate professional growth and continuous improvement among teaching staff.
• Maintain compliance with DHS regulations, Keystone STARS standards, and PA Pre-K Counts requirements.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, excellence, and high-quality early childhood education.