Position: Early Childhood Education Coach
Location: Richland County First Steps, Columbia, SC
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm (40 hours/week, occasional nights/weekends)
Status: Full-time

Job Summary:

Richland County First Steps is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Education Coach to provide technical assistance and support to Early Head Start classrooms. This role focuses on enhancing school readiness for children aged birth to three by utilizing the Environment Rating Scale and Conscious Discipline. The ideal candidate will build strong relationships with classroom staff and help implement improvement plans based on thorough assessments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Assistance: Conduct weekly site visits to assigned childcare programs to provide support and guidance.
• Assessment and Planning: Develop and update a Plan of Action for each classroom based on ITERS assessments, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and material needs.
• Training: Create and conduct DSS-certified training sessions for childcare personnel, covering topics such as Mandated Reporting, Pediatric CPR/FA, and Blood Borne Pathogens.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed logs of technical assistance provided, update the SCFS DATA System weekly, and keep organized records for each assigned center.
• Collaboration: Work closely with center directors and staff to address needs, provide feedback, and assist in classrooms when necessary.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience: Experience in early childhood programs and providing technical assistance in childcare settings. Familiarity with Conscious Discipline is preferred.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, excellent written and verbal communication skills, effective time management, and strong organizational abilities.
• Certifications: ITERS and/or ECERS training at Frank Porter Graham or by the Environment Rating Scale Institute (ERSI) is preferred.
• Additional Requirements: Ability to operate a motor vehicle legally and have reliable transportation, pass annual background checks (SLED and DSS), and work in diverse cultural settings.

Essential Functions:

• Mental Functions: Prioritize tasks, maintain boundaries, present information effectively, and handle crisis situations according to DSS and/or ABC policies.
• Physical Functions: Regularly kneel, bend, and sit on the floor. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Equipment/Databases:

• Equipment: Computer, printer, copier/scanner, fax, cell phone.
• Databases: South Carolina First Steps Data System, BambooHR.

Join Our Team:

If you are passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, we invite you to apply. Represent Richland County First Steps in a professional and competent manner while making a significant impact on early childhood education.

Richland County First Steps is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.