Program Coach

The Program Coach is a leadership position responsible for assessing, supporting, and implementing Catalyst Family Inc.’s quality programming standards in line with the agency’s philosophies, mission, values, and position statements. The Program Coach works in collaboration with the Program Quality Manager and a small group of identified center leaders and teachers to create and implement quality improvement plans for their programs that will result in extraordinary program quality. The Program Coach also facilitates and delivers learning series and other pertinent program quality trainings. The Program Coach supports the development and maintenance of program quality and compliance initiatives to deliver high quality, effective programs within their assigned coachee centers. A Program Coach spends about 80% (4 days per week) of their time at their sites supporting goals through focused observation, reflection, and feedback.

Essential Job Functions:

Program Quality Responsibilities

• Communicates the philosophy, mission, and values to staff and consistently communicates program quality standards and delivery.
• Ensures internal quality tools (I.E., CQPs, Audit Tools, checklists, etc.) are completed as scheduled. The Program Coach supports the establishment of assessment timelines in partnership with their supervisor, and program leadership.
• Provides individualized supports for center leaders and staff working with children with disabilities and challenging behaviors. Shares resources and tools to promote belonging for all children/families, including multicultural and multilingual learners.
• Provides input on program quality systems, initiatives, modules, position statements, and curriculum development to achieve Catalyst’s philosophy and program quality vision.
• Engages in professional development activities that focus on new research/trends in early education, youth development, program quality improvement, adult learning. theories/approaches, State Funded program requirements, and on practice-based coaching.
• Tracks the progress/ impact of program quality initiatives and pilot programs through data collection, observations, and meetings.
• Pivots and supports based on agency needs/goals.

Practice Based Coaching

• Utilizes the Practice Based Coaching cycle with their assigned coachee teams which includes conducting focused observations, facilitating reflection and feedback, using various coaching strategies to support implementation, and collaborating on action plan goals to promote the fidelity of implementation.

• Prepares reports summarizing program-based work with teachers and center leaders and distributes to stakeholders.

Staff Development and Training

• Uses various facilitation methods to build/strengthen coachee’s understanding of a range of resources, tools and practices (DRDP, Positive Behavior Supports, QRIS, CLASS, Accreditation, etc..) that supports program quality improvement.

• Supports center leaders to develop their coaching ability by intentionally modeling practices, providing opportunities to practice, and then engaging in reflection and feedback.

• Partners with the Center Operations and the Education Department to support the implementation of agency resources, tools, guides, and modules at fidelity.

People and Performance

• Establishes and deepen collaborative relationships with all stakeholders.
• Performance criteria and expectations clearly communicated. Contributes feedback for performance reviews as requested by center operations leaders. Joint accountability with stakeholders to ensure program compliance and to seek the highest program quality in line with agency requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in ECE/Child Development or related field
• Eligible for a Master Teacher Permit or above

• NOTE: Minimum education requirements may change as needed based on state requirements.

Experience

• 3-4 Years of experience as a Master teacher, program lead, and 1-2 years of supervision and training experience in the field

• Experience working with the positive behavior supports process and supporting children with challenging behaviors or children with disabilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrates proficiency in more than two curriculum areas or program components. (e.g. school age, camp, preschool, toddlers and infants.)

• Proficiency in a second language is also desirable.

Key Competencies:

• Experience working with programs for various age groups of children.
• Knowledge of child and youth development theories and practices, including Desired Results HighScope, Reggio Emilia, PITC/West Ed, Teaching Pyramid/PBIS, 40 Developmental Assets, and QRIS.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills with the ability to balance big-picture and detail-oriented execution.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and technological proficiency.
• Proven leadership abilities including coaching, mentoring, and achieving desired outcomes.
• Experience in facilitation, presentation, and providing constructive feedback in collaborative environments.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across multiple locations.
• Proficiency in productivity software and tech tools for assessment, communication, and documentation.

Shift Type: Full Time, Remote

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm


Working Conditions:

• Generally pleasant working conditions with little or no potential for job-related accidents and/or occupational risks.
• Flexibility in scheduling, including availability for meetings or training outside of standard business hours.
• Travel up to 80% typically within the region. This position is based out of Sacramento and supports multiple program sites, including locations in Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Tracy. Regular regional travel is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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