Literacy Coach

WHSCDA Literacy Coach Job Description Coaching Definition: Coaching is an interactive process of observation, discussion, and reflection in which the coach promotes the other person’s ability to grow toward identified goals. Guiding Principles: The Literacy coach will have an understanding and ability to put into practice and advocate for the following guiding principles: Culturally and linguistically competent, family-centered practice. Natural learning environment. Learner focused approach. Functional and meaningful activities/supports. Collaborative goal setting Operate from a systems perspective. Change occurs over time. Coaches facilitate and participate in change. Literacy Development requires implementation of evidence-based practices, high quality curriculum and instructional materials, and the Instructional Cycle in a play based, child centered developmentally appropriate classrooms. Job Functions: Recognize the unique abilities of individuals and assist others in valuing everyone’s contributions. Encourage, support, motivate, and work interactively with teachers/caregivers to develop and implement ongoing goals. Support implementation of the curriculum protocols and the literacy “look fors” tool that includes indicators aligned to current areas of need in literacy instruction including student engagement and student leaning in literacy. Focus on specific tasks, skills or techniques which can be mastered and measured. Engage teachers in intellectual preparation, observe and model instruction, and receiving and integrating feedback. Assist teachers to structure environments, routines and interactions that contribute to meeting literacy goals while maintain a positive environment sensitive to the social emotional needs of the children. Job Responsibilities: Effective coaches must be able to build relationships with other staff based on mutual respect, demonstrate effective communication skills, practice conflict resolution skills, have an ongoing commitment to learning, possess good observation skills, model best practices working with young children. Stay current on updates and changes in regulations and accreditation systems (Head Start Performance Standards and Framework, DHS Child Care Regulations, BrightStars, RIELDS, NAEYC) Have or obtain a strong background in our RIDE approved Curriculum (currently Creative Curriculum) Have working knowledge of CLASS and ECERS. Attend up to ten instructional days of professional learning through RI READS Coaches Corps. Gather, track data and submit in accordance with an identified evaluation plan. Participate in supervision and peer support as offered for individuals working in this capacity. Attend regularly scheduled meetings with other coaches, community partners, and professional development technical assistance staff or WHSCDA Liaison. Receive coaching through RIREADS Coaches Corps from a RIDE- approved vendor. Facilitate a process to help staff develop individual plans to improve their environments, teaching practices to support young children’s growth and development, literacy and language goals. Offer resources and strategies to staff to increase practice of evidence-based literacy instruction, create aligned learning environments, and support scaffolding to help all children access the curriculum. Check in periodically with leadership staff to offer support and guidance and build support for the classrooms implementing literacy plans. Contact community partners to access external support when needed. Assist the participant to identify resources and supplies in accordance with individual plans. Assist in the planning and delivery of professional development around literacy, as well as family education when appropriate. Maintain confidentiality.

Salary : $30