Texas Rising Star Mentor

Make an Impact as a Texas Rising Star Mentor

Texas Rising Star is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) for Early Learning Programs participating in the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) subsidized childcare program. Texas Rising Star provides a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in Early Learning Programs. By participating in TRS, Early Learning Programs engage in a process of continuous quality improvement. The Texas Rising Star (TRS) Mentor will provide practice-based coaching, personalized support, and other mentoring services to Early Learning Programs within the service area. As ChildCareGroup expands its early childhood services, the TRS Mentor will be expected to work across programs by assuming additional responsibilities commensurate with his/her knowledge, experiences, and interests. Extensive travel across the workforce delivery area is required with the expectancy of 80% travel and 20% in-office and remote work. Scheduling flexibility is required, occasional weekends and Saturdays. 

Why work for ChildCareGroup?  

Founded in 1901, ChildCareGroup’s (CCG) mission is to champion a strong early childhood system that teaches children and parents, trains early childhood professionals, and assists families. ChildCareGroup believes that children do better as their parents do better. When families thrive, communities succeed.  

ChildCareGroup offers a generous benefits package including Paid Parental Leave, (12) Company Holidays, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision and more!  

You are a great fit for the role because you identify with the CCG SPIRIT, our core values:  

SERVICE – Lead with a servant’s heart 

PROFESSIONALISM – Perform our best every day 

INTEGRITY – Do what is right 

RESPECT – Treat each other the way we wish to be treated 

INCLUSION – Value individual differences 

TEAMWORK – Communicate and collaborate to achieve our goals 

Position Details  

Responsibilities 

• Provides ongoing mentoring, thorough observations, and evaluations to: 

• assist pre-star Early Learning Programs in achieving initial TRS certification; and  

• support star-rated Early Learning Programs in driving sustained change, self-directed quality improvement, and the operation of high-quality programs. 

• Provides Practice-Based Coaching and Technical Assistance to Early Learning Programs using data, SMART goals-setting, and Continuous Quality Improvement Plans to help make program improvements including, but not limited to: assistance understanding the TRS tool, understanding teacher-child interaction tools such as CLASS and LENA Grow (where applicable), and participation in Professional Learning Community sessions.  

• Collaborates with the Quality Initiatives Unit to support the programs’ professional development needs by providing resources, recommending trainings, and/or developing and facilitating high-quality training. 

• Provides guidance for grant opportunities to Early Learning Programs by communicating opportunities available, assisting with application process, and assisting with implementation of materials and/or equipment in the program setting. 

• Acquires 36 annual hours of Texas Rising Star professional development trainings as mandated by Texas Workforce Commission. 

• Maintains certification as a Non-Registered or Registered Texas Trainer and all CLASS observer reliabilities. 

• Completes all required documentation related to mentoring within required timeframes. 

• Meest assigned benchmarks, timelines, and goals on a consistent basis. 

• Attends regularly scheduled events and meetings with ChildCareGroup staff and community partners as required. 

• Participates in group efforts to recruit and retain programs for TRS. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education or family consumer science; or 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education or family consumer science with at least 12 credit hours in child development; or  

• Associate degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education or family consumer science with two years of experience as a director in an early childhood program, with preference given to experience with a provider facility that is accredited or Texas Rising Star certified.  

• Minimum of 3 years employment experience in childcare/early childhood setting required; includes 1 year of full-time early childhood classroom experience in a childcare, Early Head Start, or PreK through third grade school program.  

• Experience using assessment tools such as ITERS, ECERS, CLI Engage, and Texas Rising Star preferred. 

• CLASS observer certification in Infant, Toddler, and/or PreK preferred. 

• Knowledge of adult learning styles, how to identify learning styles, strengths, needs, and goals. 

• Knowledge of Conscious Discipline or other behavioral guidance techniques preferred. 

• Knowledge of curricula implementation, i.e., Frog Street Press, The Creative Curriculum, Big Day, or HighScope preferred. 

• Knowledge of Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS) preferred. 

• Knowledge of Texas Child Care licensing regulations preferred. 

• Experience with and ability to communicate using technology and virtual platforms including Outlook, PowerPoint, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. Skills testing may be required. 

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers, and community partners  

• Demonstrates effective public speaking skills with ability to contribute to recruiting and retention efforts for TRS 

• Demonstrates exceptional oral, written, active listening, and interpersonal communication skills. Skills testing may be required. 

• Possesses efficient organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously within required timeframes. 

• Ability to analyze problems and identify appropriate solutions successfully. 

• Ability to commit to upholding ChildCareGroup’s mission, vision, and core values. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality consistently – Internal information, TWC information, and WFS communications are prohibited unless release is authorized. Early Learning Program plans are highly confidential and should not be shared with other programs or outside entities. 

Travel and Compliance Requirements  

• Must have a valid Texas driver's license if applicable 

• Driving record must comply with CCG's automobile insurance carrier requirements 

• Must have liability insurance coverage and reliable personal transportation  

• Ability to travel locally or out of town as required 

• Mileage reimbursement is offered when applicable 

• Must successfully meet all compliance background check requirements for federal funding throughout employment 

ChildCareGroup’s Generous Health and Wellness Benefits  

• Paid Parental Leave  

• Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance at no cost 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance  

• Telemedicine at no cost 

• 401(k) with a company match  

• Paid Time Off  

• (12) Paid Company Holidays 

• And more!  

ChildCareGroup is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.