POSITION: Early Learning Coach

REPORTS TO: Early Learning Coach Lead

Salary Range: $56,971.00 - $63,913.56

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

AGENCY SUMMARY:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services has been at the forefront of the early learning landscape for over 30 years ensuring that all children have equitable access to safe, engaging, and positive early learning experiences that promote school readiness and lifetime success. With a staff of over 140 and a budget of $30 million (99% publicly funded), BrightSpark Early Learning Services provides a broad array of services for families and childcare providers so that they in turn can support the development and well-being of our children.

OPPORTUNITY:

The Early Learning (EL) Coach directly impacts the quality of childcare facilities in King and Pierce Counties utilizing the statewide Quality Recognition and Improvement System (Early Achievers). The Coach role entails providing on-site and distance practice-based and transformational coaching to center and home-based licensed childcare programs serving children ages 0-12, located in King and/or Pierce Counties. Coaches work in partnership with childcare center teachers, administrators, and/or family childcare providers/owners to develop quality improvement goals, model and support best practices in early childhood education and management practices, and support professional development goals. This position will work with providers as they engage in the Early Achievers quality rating and improvement process.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities of the Coach role include, but may not be limited to:

• Assist licensed center and family childcare providers to enter, and progress through, the WA State Early Achievers Quality Recognition Improvement System.
• Facilitate large and small group sessions on topics related to the Early Achievers quality standards and program improvement tools used in the quality improvement process.
• Utilize formal and informal data in partnership with providers to establish and monitor quality improvement goals.
• Aid childcare providers to build and strengthen skills in early learning best practices, use of technology, navigating the state professional development system (MERIT), carrying out quality-related self-assessments, and meeting quality improvement goals.
• Provide anti-racist, culturally relevant, and inclusive assistance, both in-person and virtually, to licensed childcare facilities throughout King and Pierce Counties.
• Manage a caseload of clients (directors, teachers, and/or family childcare providers) to develop, implement, and evaluate quality improvement plans and goals.
• Partner with providers to identify program strengths and areas for improvement.
• Model respect for providers and their cultural practices as well as ECE best practices.
• Provide documentation of all coaching activities through web-based computer software programs.
• Submit complete and accurate documentation in a regular and timely manner.
• Ability to become a STARS-approved trainer within 6 months.
• Participate in regular program and agency meetings.
• Participate in training and other professional development activities required by BrightSpark.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and 5 years of related work experience; or a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and 3 years of related job experience.
• Desired Qualifications
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or Somali languages.
• Coursework and/or formal training in culturally appropriate anti-bias practice and theory, along with a commitment towards continued professional development in this area.
• Ability to facilitate reflective practice sessions with early learning professionals.
• Practical experience and master-level expertise in at least two or more of the following content areas: Infant Development, Toddler Development, Preschool Development, Bilingual/Bicultural Education, evidence-based classroom curriculum, Accreditation (NAEYC, NAC, NAFCC, etc.), Social-Emotional Development, and Childcare Center Administration & Management.
• Experience utilizing and supporting the use of research-based quality assessments to guide the development of a quality improvement plan.
• Knowledge of childcare licensing and the regulatory environment surrounding Family and center-based childcare.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, cultural relevancy, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated expertise in effective coaching, mentoring, and/or other consultative practices that support adult learners.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate; most of the time is fieldwork.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to understand, and experience, Quality Improvement and Adult Learning theories and practices.
• Knowledge of ECE Curricula and Assessments, including Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) tools.
• Three to Five years of classroom/Family Child Care experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to provide leadership, innovation, motivation, and constructive feedback to Early Learning professionals.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain timely documentation/data entry into the electronic data system.
• Proven ability to consistently meet monthly targets and goals.
• Ability to work occasional night and weekend hours within the work week.
• Knowledge of computer software, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom
• Washington State Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and daily access to a reliable automobile.
• Must be able to lift 10-15 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to interact with children at eye level; interaction on the floor may be necessary.
• Participate in other duties as required or assigned.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as required.

COMPETENCIES:

• Core Competencies -
  • Mission-driven: Demonstrates commitment to the mission and values of the mission.
  • Equity mindset: Demonstrates the values of anti-racism; fosters an inclusive environment that facilitates diversity.
  • Communication: Uses skillful written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening.
  • Adaptability: Adapts and responds to change; proactively seeks opportunities to be supportive of change that serves our mission
  • Ownership and quality of work: Manages own work, and work of teams when relevant, ensuring delivery of successful outcomes.

COMPENSATION:

• Salary Range: $56,971.00 - $63,913.56
• FLSA Status: non-exempt
• This is a full-time salaried position requiring work during BrightSpark Early Learning Services Business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5 pm, and requiring a willingness to work some evenings and weekends.

HOW TO APPLY:

BENEFITS:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services’ benefit package includes employer-paid top-tier medical, dental and vision insurance plans for employees, 21 days of PTO per year in addition to 11 paid holidays, 3 paid floating holidays, birthday holiday, and one week-long office closure at year-end, Refresh Fridays in July (BrightSpark Early Learning Services Closure Days), flexible work environment, employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability/illness leave accrual, and 401k with 3% employer match.

WORK LOCATION:

• This position is a Hybrid / Field Position.
• Employees BrightSpark Early Learning Services employees in all types of work positions (hybrid, field, etc.) must attend trainings, meetings, events, or other work commitments at various BrightSpark Early Learning Services office locations or off-site locations in Washington State including New Employee Orientation in Kent, Washington.

EQUAL EQUITY EMPLOYER:

BrightSpark Early Learning Services is an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity among our staff. We strongly encourage people of color, immigrants and refugees, people from the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and people from other historically marginalized groups to apply.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

• To learn more about BrightSpark Early Learning Services, please visit BrightSpark.org
• BrightSpark Early Learning Services is a grant-funded nonprofit organization. This and all positions are contingent on grant funding being in place and can end based on the expiration of funding.

Experience

• 5 year(s): A Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and 5 years of related work experience

• 3 year(s): A Masters of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and 3 years of related job experience.

Education

• High School or better
• Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field

• Masters or better in Early Childhood Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Car Insurance

• Valid WA Drivers License

Skills

• Microsoft Suite
• Child care Experience

• Improvement Mindset
• Communications

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work