Instructional Coach - Early Childhood Education

Instructional Coach - CPPI Early Childhood Education

Reports to: Director of Community Impact

Employer: Berkshire United Way

Location: Pittsfield, MA

Exempt Status: Part-time (Grant-Funded)

Position Summary

Berkshire United Way is seeking a part-time Instructional Coach to support early childhood educators across Pittsfield's Pre-K programs. This position is funded through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) and is currently grant-funded for one year, with the expectation of continued funding beyond that period. The individual will serve as an independent contractor.

The Instructional Coach will collaborate with program administrators to:

• Use the Practice-Based Coaching model to strengthen instructional practices.
• Support educators in applying Concept Development, Quality of Feedback, and Language Modeling Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) with instruction.
• Collaborate with district and community partners to align professional development.
• Promote reflective practice, classroom quality, and school readiness.

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with educators to advance early leaning outcomes and ensure Pittsfield's youngest children receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate education.

Job Description

Berkshire United Way (BUW) is committed to transform philanthropy into action and change for people in Berkshire County. BUW ignites the collective power of individuals and organizations to build a stronger and more equitable community where everyone can thrive. When you have access to services and the support you need to be safe, healthy, and financially secure, you can achieve your goals.

Responsibilities

Coaching and Support:

• Travel to five early childhood educations sites across Pittsfield to deliver coaching support.
• Develop positive working relationships with program administrators and educators to build trust and create collaborative working environments.
• Conduct classroom observations to assess individual and classroom goals and areas for growth.
• Provide Practice-Based Coaching by modeling developmentally appropriate classroom practices and offering real-time feedback to educators.
• Facilitate coaching sessions, addressing individual goals, classroom needs, and progress based on CLASS assessment results.
• Use completed CLASS observation reports to provide feedback and guide educators in developing classroom strategies and individual goals.
• Directly model and support educators in applying CLASS fundamentals to improve their interactions with children.

Professional Development:

• Support program administrators in ensuring alignment of CPPI goals and standards.
• Assist educators in using CLASS results to enhance lesson plans, individual goals, and Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDPs).
• Encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement through individual and group coaching sessions.
• Collaborating with existing CPPI partnerships across Massachusetts may require additional travel.

Collaboration and Reporting:

• Meet regularly with program administrators and team members to review coaching progress, share insights, and adjust coaching strategies as necessary.
• Complete all required documentation, including coaching logs, CLASS reports, and progress reports in a timely and accurate manner.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Model strong leadership and organizational skills in creating a structured and supportive coaching environment.
• Use CLASS observation results to guide coaching content and feedback. Maintain confidentiality of educator and student data, adhering to professional ethical standards.
• Travel to different school sites and early childhood programs in Pittsfield and CPPI partnership locations, ensuring flexible and reliable transportation.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities as needed.
• Meet the changing requirements of the grant RFR as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with program leaders and educators.
• Conduct classroom observations and facilitate coaching sessions.
• Model effective instructional strategies and support educators in implementing them.
• Maintain all necessary coaching records and reports.
• Meet regularly with program directors to assess progress and adapt strategies.
• Participate in collaborative efforts with district coaches and community partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in early childhood administration or leadership preferred. Experience in early childhood coaching or related field.
• Experience working with children with special needs.
• Knowledge and experience with the CLASS observation tool.
• Knowledge of EEC licensing regulations and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience with the Practice-Based Coaching (PBC} model and/or reflective supervision techniques.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and model effective practices in classroom settings.
• Experience in using CLASS and willingness to attend additional CLASS training sessions.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality in a professional manner.
• Ability to be self-directed, demonstrate initiative, and solve problems effectively.

Compensation and Benefits

• Source of Funding: State of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
• Salary range: $30,000-$35,000, part-time, not benefited.
• Effective Start Date: September 2025

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to Katherine von Haefen, BUW Interim President and CEO, at kvonhaefen@berkshireunitedway.org; include CPPI Instructional Coach in the subject.

Closing Date: September 30, 2025

Berkshire United Way is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on basis of race, creed, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave, military service, and national origin in its employment. All inquiries concerning application of the above should be directed to Administration / Human Resources, 200 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.