Head Start Education Coach - Upbring

Overview

About Us

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About Our Headstart Centers

Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.

What You'll Do

Education Coaches assist Center Directors, Principals, and Teachers with implementing Early Head Start/Head Start educational programming in accordance with State Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing, the Agency’s school readiness goals, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Education Coaches provide coaching, reflection, training, and technical assistance to Head Start classroom teachers and teacher assistants. They support students' social-emotional development aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcome Framework by providing high-quality coaching, guided reflection, training, and technical assistance.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family. 

This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education

Work Standards 

• Work closely with Education Coordinator, Center Director and/or ISD leadership and teaching staff to apply and analyze performance-based assessment data to utilize results for planning and individualized instruction
• Coordinate with Education Coordinator, Center Director and/or ISD leadership to ensure the timely identification, referral, and transition support for children with disabilities; assist Center Director with promoting the benefits of Early Head Start and Head Start educational programs for children with disabilities
• Works directly with special programs, mental health, and teachers to identify children with disabilities through the screening and referral process
• Works closely with program leadership and teachers to ensure full implementation of all aspects of the school readiness program, record keeping, reporting, transitions, student portfolios, and ongoing monitoring
• Track and analyze child outcomes and use data to make recommendations based upon school readiness goals to improve instruction and program development
• Provide consultation to Center Director and/or ISD leadership and teaching staff on differentiated instruction for all children, including those with IEP/IFSP and those with challenging behaviors
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children
• Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards Always ensure the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well-being of children
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Communication 

• Works closely with program leadership and teachers to ensure full implementation of all aspects of the school readiness goals, record keeping, reporting, and ongoing monitoring
• Participate in all student staffing’s to develop individualized instruction in the classroom environment
• Partner with Education Coordinator, Center Director and/or ISD leadership to ensure the implementation of early learning curriculum
• Exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community; assist teaching staff in developing cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Address immediately and collaborate with employee’s supervisor any and all concerns related to child health and safety

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Address and inform supervisor of mitigating concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns requiring intervention
• Guide program staff in a collaborative effort to promote a positive nurturing environment embodying all Upbring’s Core Values.
• Conduct CLASS observations and provide feedback to assess teacher needs and planning strategies for teacher’s professional development and improvement
• Work closely with Education Coordinators and Education Coaches to tier teachers for professional growth
• Partner with Center Director and/or ISD leadership and Education Coordinator for the facilitation of professional learning for teachers to developmentally grow in curriculum planning and assessment data
• Communicate with Center Director and Education Coordinator on all practice based coaching updates on the tiering system to include coaching and/or intensive coaching of teaching staff
• Partner with the Education Coordinator, Center Director and/or ISD leadership, and other Head Start leadership to determine best practices in analyzing student assessment and instructional practice to guide strategic planning for curriculum and instruction
• Partner with Education Coordinator and ISD staff to collect assessment data on school readiness goals to track student performance
• Partner with Education Coordinator and ISD Staff to collect data regarding student goals for IEPs, to maintain accurate records of student progress, implementing behavioral and disciplinary programs
• Partner with Education Coordinator and Center Director and/or ISD leadership to ensure the implementation of early learning curriculum
• Work closely with teaching staff and administration to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes
• Work as part of the team and always show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating Upbring’s Core Values, a positive attitude and working relationships, while maintaining strong ethical boundaries

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Actively participate in collaborative and cooperative efforts and activities with the Head Start leadership, education team and cross-functional teams, such as Family Services, mental health, and medical providers, disabilities services, and nutritional services
• Work closely with the Education Coordinator, Center Director and/or ISD leadership, teachers, and other Head Start leadership and staff to maintain focus on education to improve the quality and effectiveness of the program
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with classroom teachers, administrative staff, children, and parents to ensure the children are receiving a quality learning experience

Developing and Encouraging Others

• Coach and mentor teaching staff utilizing a practice-based coaching model such as T-TESS, Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and Teachers Learning and Collaborating tool
• In coordination with Education Coordinator, and Center Director and/or ISD leadership, develop a comprehensive teacher coaching plan-based CLASS data; Head Start and Early Head Start Child Assessment data plans will be reviewed by the Education Coordinator and Elementary Principal
• Conduct practice-based coaching based on the needs of teachers monthly and provide coaching for teachers in need of intensive coaching
• Support staff as needed on curriculum implementation, individualization, screening, and child assessment
• Utilize leadership styles that are developmentally appropriate for individual teaching staff and give guidance regarding classroom/time management, discipline, scheduling, planning, and organizing the day
• Monitor staff progress and child outcomes based on student assessments and school readiness goals
• Assist center staff with new teacher and volunteer onboarding and training; assist the education team in planning and implementing comprehensive, differentiated, and professional development for education staff
• Attend professional development trainings to maintain current and up-to-date knowledge and information on curriculum development and learning strategies

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• CLASS™ (Classroom Assessment Scoring System™) trained and certified per Head Start guidance or ability to become trained and certified within 6 months of hire
• 2 years’ experience teaching in an Early Childhood Program (EC-4)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field
• Texas Teaching Certificate EC-4 and Early Childhood Endorsement
• T-TESS Certificate or ability to become trained and certified within 8 months of hire
• Principal EC-12 certificate
• 5 years’ experience teaching in Head Start or Prekindergarten program or with similar learning readiness programs in a public school
• Experience with educational program administration and management
• Strong working knowledge and experience with educational inclusion for children with disabilities
• Working knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety requirements according to Head Start and state licensing
• Bilingual in English and Spanish; fluent in written and conversational communication, highly preferred (based on service area and service population)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage the classroom and work well under pressure
• Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
• Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
• Prepare quality well-written documents, reports, and correspondence
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks, requests, and projects and meet deadlines
• Excellent people and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team with limited supervision; ability to take initiative

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires extensive standing, sitting, squatting, extensive computer time, and travel
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.